They're good for the price. Just be gentle with it and it should last you a good while. I've had mine for a few months now and it's working just as well as when it first arrived.
I use both. Mainly stick, but since my stick is somewhat unreliable, I use pad a good bit too. I'll normally just use pad when I'm tired since it's less of a hassle to handle.
So, you admit, pad has its advantages. Some players say it does (Even VF players who use stick) In terms of what, I wouldn't know. Perhaps, mobilty? Not inputs, but mobilty. You could do it more, less strain. Is why I kinda do silly shit with Eileen 7K+G, a randomly 6 P+K+G, to lure people from a distance.
Pad's more comfortable because you can lay down on the couch and all that. I kind of have to sit up when I play on stick. Not sure if everyone else is the same way, though. To be honest, I can't play VF on pad since I've only ever played on stick.