I am continually surprised by just what poor habits people put up with in their boats. I sailed a Beneteau (First 355) from Tampa to Cartehenga Columbia.... it tracked so poorly that it would literally NOT stay on course without complete concentration...

Now granted, it was a racing boat but (IMHO) any boat that REQUIRES an autopilot to hold a course is poorly designed.

My Ariel tracks streight, and I too regularly sail without much attention paid to the helm... I hand steered for the entire 9 month cruise we took and I had an St-2000 below in the locker... never took it out.

I have purchased a Pacific Lite winpilot for her, but that is as much about making single handed passages as anything... and I am sure she will be a perrfect platform for the vane.... she already does it so well.

No, I do not think you are overstating things... they are really exceptional boats!