Quite the opposite - we didn't have many issues with it at all. It trained us to set it in specific manners - lower it just right, let it "sit and settle" for quite a bit before backing on it, give it 20' or so to drag and dig in, hold our mouths just right, etc.

The usual drill people follow with CQR. And it was terrible in weeds, but most anchors are, and I don't even trust our modern one in heavy weed, although it goes through grass and light weed very well.

No problems with the Delta and Bruce either.

But the difference with the Rocna is substantial. It isn't all about setting every time, although it does, and does it instantly with no "technique" required (old salts hate this part ). We spent the money on a new anchor because the way we use the boat, and the variety of bottom and weather conditions we use it in, have changed a lot for us. For you, I agree that it doesn't make sense to spend new money to chase a performance you do not require.

However, for someone getting a new anchor, the CQR is the highest price one with the lowest performance. That anchor does not make sense in any way as a new purchase.

My analogy about your sails wasn't about bagged out old sails vs. new ones. It was about the difference in dacron sailcloth and sail design that has happened since your old sail was built. I suspect the new ones outperform the previous ones when they were new? After all, nobody is making that old style dacron or building sails to that design anymore. That can't be an oversight...

Mark