Interesting you refer to "having to hold a stock till the option expires". My personal view is that covered calls only have much value for buy and hold stock investors who are happy to hold through thick and thin but want to generate a bit of extra income on the way.
As a short to medium term position it's just a naked short put with higher capital requirement and higher commissions. If you wouldn't sell a naked put then don't do a covered call.
Gareth