I'm a Flexsteel dealer as well as having several premium brands as well. Flexsteel is no better, or worse, than most other brands in its price range. The old adage is true, "You get what you pay for". It really comes down to budget, and how much you want to invest in this piece. I'm also a dealer for Southwood, Hancock and Moore, as well as Bradington-Young. For my money, I see the best built pieces, and the best tailoring with attention to detail coming out of Hancock and Moore. It will be twice the price of a Flexsteel and twice the unit. Having said that, motion furniture is subject to stresses that stationary furniture is not. The industry leader for motion mechanisms is Leggett and Platt, and all the best brands use their mechanisms, bolted to solid hardwood frames. You are not going to get that in Flexsteel. Good luck!

I got my sectional from Walter E. Smithe 6 years ago. It still looks great! I originally had purchased a Precident from Macys(Fields) but had to send it back as the fabric was defective. It has a wide/triangle corner, rather then the standard lost cornner. I really liked it. I really liked the custom options at Smithe, while their prices were a little higher, 6 years later I am happy I went with them.

sectionals are rarely recomended. how many of you are there on a regular basis. will you need a table and chairs for games?

I was reading some threads (on here) last night that were talking a lot about pilling and fabric, which once to choose. I'll see if I can find it, but feel free to poke around to see if you can find it. I think I remembering hearing common complaints about pilling and twill, and hearing some good things about everyday suede. How do you feel your sofa has held up? I know it's pilling, but otherwise? I'm thinking of getting a Pearce sectional for my family. We're not hard on our furniture, but still spending $4k is a big investment for us.