I've only had experience with two "high quality" seatposts. An NJS Sugino Mighty, which was a ***** to set because the adjustment bolts were on top of the clamp vs under it (like Thompson)

And two different Thomson Elites. I ride a Brooks, so the infinite adjustability is worth it's own. It's lighter that a comparative carbon seatpost and structurally stronger.

I think it's the same reason people ride Phil's. Yeah their bearings are incredible, and you simply just DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IT, ever.

I had a Kalloy seatpost on my Kilo back in the day and I stripped all the threads, from the clamp, not even the bolt, with just hand torgue. I wasn't even used a ratchet wrench.