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It would take a while to sand a deck with a hand sander but there have been a few folks here on the forum who did just that. They did use a ROS, the best I can remember. The part about the splinters, it looks to me like the splinters would only be sharpened sanding in one direction. I have never had problems pulling splinters up using a ROS. There are different types of ROS on the market. Some are finish sanders, some are more aggressive sanders. Porter-Cable makes a 6 inch sander that I would recommend if you decide to go with a ROS.
You may find a good belt sander would do the trick but beware of the belt hanging on a screw or nail, it will tear the belt up quick. A nail or screw will tear a ROS disk up quick also or a drum sander sandpaper. If I were going to sand my deck I would personally rent a flooring sander but like you said, they will eat the world up and quick if you don't know how to use them.
You may find a good belt sander would do the trick but beware of the belt hanging on a screw or nail, it will tear the belt up quick. A nail or screw will tear a ROS disk up quick also or a drum sander sandpaper. If I were going to sand my deck I would personally rent a flooring sander but like you said, they will eat the world up and quick if you don't know how to use them.