I'm using Microshift 10 speed brifters with their derailleurs on my cyclocross bike. They are not the quality of Dura-Ace or Record, but they work just fine. They are loud and clunky, and I could understand someone getting a sore finger with them. Mostly, I have found that their detractors are snobs who have never actually tried them and assume that for the price they must be junk. I wouldn't put them on a "high class" bike that is meant for showing off at the coffee stop, but for what I use them for, I am happy and would buy them again.