I guess I'm the odd man out. I use W&N all the time and hand quilt as well. I guess I just don't know any better but I don't have an issue with it. I've done lap to king size quilts with it, hand quilting them all. I think my stitches are fairly small (never counted). Other people (quilters and non) seem to agree. I use Roxanne #11 or #12 needles and I'm not particular about thread - whatever brand is the color I want/need works for me. Don't think I have more than my share of bent/broken needles with the W&N either.