When people say that quartz looks like "fake" stone it always makes me scratch my head. For me, I love it because it is clean and uniform--if I wanted "real" stone with the variability that comes with real stone, I'd choose granite or marble. Saying it looks like fake stone is like saying that cork looks like fake wood. Two very different materials, two very different looks. Neither one is better--it's what style you prefer. Exactly! But I have found that many people try to sell quartz counters saying they look like granite but are better/easier/tougher (which I think has already been addressed above). Some of their colours do appear to be in fact imitating the look of real stone. I don't think they do well at that, but I totally agree with you that it's a great choice if you want a uniform or clean look or their vibrant colours.

One advantage to having it seamed the full depth of the counter is they can use a seam setter to electronically pull the slabs together and give you a very tight seam. I don't know if you've seen my seam that I've posted a few times, but it's a hair's width. I can barely feel mine and can't see it unless I'm standing nearby. With a solid quartz like yours, the particles are like fine sand, so the cut should be very smooth.

i wouldn't be too worried about seam strength, frankly. if it's in the corner, the cabinet edges will help support it, and similar would be true for the sink. i would think about what you would find noticable/irritating. myself, i'd want the seam in the corner. i'd find it less noticable there.

bonnie, not necessarily. I had my other granite for 15 years and didn't do anything to it. I could put hot pans on it, drop bowls on it, spill whatever on it,,,,nothing ever damaged it. I've had my quartz for 1 year, hit the corner w/the skillet, and dropped a ceramic bowl on it, both times it took out good sized chips. (which I'm getting repaired) It all depends on the type of granite you get. quartz however, will never be able to withstand the heat from pans and fire that granite can. And I suspect if you drop a dish on your granite, it's prob going to break the dish. (btw, my bowl didn't break, but it did a number on the edge of my countertop. )