I've used them and encountered none of the problems you describe ! I like the sizing as you can use the tips of the feathers for one size smaller flies than marked and the butts for the size marked. also I think they are not as expensive as one would think, since nearly 100% of the feathers are usable as opposed to a Whiting neck or saddle which are really expensive.
Tap her light and she'll always be fresh!
Paddy ---------------<(*)(({{
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"Tap her light and she'll always be fresh"