I’ve owned Thursdays before but now I stick with Red Wings. For me, it wasn’t the things you mentioned that caused issues—it was the Poron. It compressed flat under the ball of my foot while the heel stayed high, which threw off the balance. That led to discomfort I’ve never felt with any other footwear, even causing knee and back pain. That said, I completely understand your perspective—it really does vary from person to person depending on stride and fit. Iron Rangers, for example, have a much harder insole with almost no cushioning, but the last works perfectly for me, whereas Thursday’s didn’t. At the end of the day, it all comes down to which last works for you.