For applique, I absolutely swear by P3 Designs brand size 11 Applique needles. They can be purchased on line at www.p3designs.com or at lots of quilt shows. They do ben some from the heat of your fingers but they stay sharp and are easy to handle.
I have used various brands of quilting betweens and have yet to find a brand I prefer. I bought some from the Thimble Lady at a quilt show last year and they seem to be pretty good.
I agree that the James brand must be losing their quality. With manufacturers trying to cut financial corners, I think we will be dealing with this problem not just on needles but on many of our favorite quilting things.