Ponchos as a shelter rock. You just have to know what to do. For instance, never sleep parallel to the ponchos, sleep perpendicular, and use sticks/poles in the hoods to increase the inner space. Remember to use a drip stick/knot on the cords attaching ponchos to the trees.

I never slept in the communal tents we set up. I either used two ponchos to make my own hootch, or carried a camo civilian small dome tent, further cammied with the poncho.

On a side note, never used the poncho when it rained. Wore the issue rain suit, under my bdus. Less noisy, and hey, you were gonna get wet anyhow.