I loved the 5200 joysticks back in 1982, and I love them now. The "feel" is better than any other joystick I've used. And of course, having "start", "reset" and "PAUSE" on the joystick.....is just the best.
I remember going to different friends houses back in 1982, and playing Intellivision or Colecovision and having loads of fun. But it was when I got an ATARI 5200, that I realized how awkward the joysticks for those other systems really were. Most of my friends with the other systems also preferred my 5200 joysticks.
In regards to the Pac-Man/Ms. Pac-Man joystick curse.......I have no problem controlling my Pac-man or Pac-woman. Maybe I did the first couple times playing them, but I can't remember it. It's just automatic that I start a turn about a half second early. It's really not a problem.