I go through 3-4 chains per year. High mileage in wet conditions. Of all the chains I've tried I would rate Shimano as #1 for shift quality and simply being quiet. Campagnolo is right up there.

In terms of mechanical integrity, the Shimano pin-system is superior to quick links. But, they must have been losing sales on these, as it required an extra minute per install. I know shops hated them because of this extra time, and that you had to read the provided instructions.