"The biggest problem with either brand is usually the abusive owners."
Excellent observation. With any peice of equipment, especially a chain saw, it should be kept in top condition to expect a full life expectancy out of it. Running with dirty air cleaners, carburetor set incorrectly, poor fuel quality, low quality 2 stroke mix, incorrect mix ratio, loose chain, overly tight chain, dull chain, etc, etc, can and will effect how well your saw serves you, and how long it lasts.
I was critisized a few weeks back for hand sharpening chains in the field. For over 30 years, I have been "touching" up my chains anytime they get dull, or when the saw is stopped briefly for fuel/bar oil. When you get proficient at it, it takes no longer to bring the chain to it's full cutting potential, as it did to type this.
The saw will respond by cutting more wood per rpm, without working it nearly as hard. In the big scheme of things the saws engine will provide a longer service life, and get more work done. IMHO, this completely offsets the couple of minutes lost taking the time to sharpen the chain in the field.
In contrast, I've seen guys piss around trying to change chains on an old stump, loosing parts in the sawdust, having trouble getting the tension screw repositioned for the new chain, etc, etc. Who's really spending more time doing what it this scenario?
Not trying to start a pissing contest over chains and sharpening them, etc, just trying to point out that there are other fringe benefits from keeping a chain razor sharp, like getting more life out of the saw as well.
I don't have a ton of experience with really new models from either Husky or Stihl, but the older models were pretty much on par with each other. They both made really good, and not so good models. Some guys favor one brand in particular over the other, much like some guys like Fords, and others like Chevrolets....but everyone knows Fords are just plain JUNK!....just kidding......Cliff