Too many variables to state with generality. Some quills are really pretty, and few are phugly (Profile Design's H20 comes to mind, but it serves a purpose) I'd say, "fit is it," and then you look for what you need. I'm absolutely certain once I had a cervical fusion or lower back problems, I'd feel completely different about adjustable stems, adapters, etc. That being said, there are some bikes for which the idea of an adapter never breaks into my consciousness. If it's the difference between riding and not riding, though, I take the ride.

Quill adapter probably looks better on this one:


This is a quill stem. Some of them can fool you.