I've been playing with PS pads for years. I decided to try out sticks a few months ago. I tried various sticks out; even tried out a hitbox. I personally struggled with the lack of directional accuracy you get with sticks. Plus, having a cumbersome thing sitting on your lap is annoying. After I decided to go back to pad I feel a lot happier with my playing. I don't care if sticks are supposed to be more accurate, I love my pads.
I recently started playing with a Sega Saturn controller, with a Mayflash converter. It's really awesome. The dpad is so light and accurate.