For me I love using the Lasso tool to remove images from their backgrounds. But by holding down the ALT key, it turns into the Polygonal Lasso tool. I set 'points' around my object until I've work my way around and let go of the ALT key to finish your selection.
I like doing it this way because WHILE you have the ALT key held in, you can use the plus(+) and minus(-) keys to zoom in and out. But I absolutely LOVE that you can hit the Backspace button to remove an unlimited amount of points if you mess up.
... and no I don't like the pen tool for removing naked people from their backgrounds
