I have a very old Tin Lizzie on a wooden frame, and I always sit when I use it. You need a chair that will go higher than your average desk chair, and I keep some big blue totes full of fabric under mine..great place to put my feet.
I agree that a hydraulic frame would be the way to go in style..but with a few adjustments you can sit at just about any frame, even though the purists will tell you it's impossible!