The feel and response of the EX2 is ok actually. That's what I use mainly for SFIV. Keyword here is "wear and tear". My stick is still working fine even after almost 2 years. Compared to some truly cheap (non) brands I've used before, the EX2 performs closer to an arcade stick than others. I don't have any issues with the square gate. Never cost me any matches so far. All losses are due to my own crap skills.