Best UQ for the money?

[Seeker]

In all things, you get what you pay for (though you can overpay for stuff... expensive does not always equal good). Down will be more expensive than synthetic due to material and labor costs. I bought one of the Jacks R Better original down underquilts back in 2004 or so (I don't even think it had a name... there was just one model), and it's still going strong. If I had it to do over again, I'd have paid the extra $$ ($30? at the time?) and get the overfill. JRB customer service is excellent, and I am happy.

[optimator]

I think you need to ask what your needs are in terms of temp rating/protection first, then the other questions you ask are secondary, etc...

If you only plan to hang in the summer and spring, you may get buy with a 3/4 length "XXX" UQ, but If you have plans to hike all winter long, then you would may need a full length "YYY" UQ.

Not necessarily.. I routinely hang in the teens and twenties with a 3/4 overstuffed Phoenix. I do use a pad under my legs, but I've never had a need for a second full length UQ.