I know this is only one airline, but ASA explicitly states its preference of CFI/II time.

"* The following types of experience/currency are not considered optimal and will be considered on a case by case basis.

* Banner Towing
* Balloon Time
* Traffic / Pipeline patrol
* Aerial photography
* Purchased block time "

ref: Atlantic Southeast Airlines

I have also heard a few negative things about banner towing time from some older friends in the industry with the same arguments joepilot had.