Are Straddles good for Small No-Limit Games?

I don't think they are.

The problem is that many "tourist type" players who drop into the poker room and play these games buy in for very small amount, such as $100 in a $1-$3 no-limit, and when a straddle is posted, this essentially turns the small buy-in into a short stack. Thus, they run the risk of getting knocked out of the game very quickly (since this type of person should have no understanding of short-stack strategy) and that's not good for the long-term health of the poker games or poker room.

Unfortunately, the straddle to the left of the big blind is so well entrenched that it's probably impossible for a poker room to end it. But button straddles should not be allowed.