I'm not saying the 290 is an awesome saw but throw some money and work into it and it makes decent power and pulls a 20 inch bar like it should. I dont buy new stihl saws but with some knowledge and ability to fix things there are a lot of good deals on used saws. Husky and stihl. I own Poulans too.
Now u bring up the 590. I hear that's a real nice saw for the money and yea its probably a lot easier to work on and lighter than a ms290.
I dont have an issue with anyone choosing husky over stihl. Choose a timber pro if you want but I will definatly say something about that. I tried the husky then tried the stihl and chose stihl kind of like how I own all fords. But if a 272xp is a better deal then a 044 sure I'll take the husky.