brainofjtd wrote:But... why? I'm genuinely curious since I want to actually be more into playing. The most you get out of most mainstream video game sites is "because."
Are you asking why a stick is considered better? I think the main reason is that some execution techniques are only possible on an arcade stick. Pianoing, double-tapping, and plinking (sf4) are examples. Other than that it is just preference. A lot of the best players play in arcades, so arcade sticks are what they are used to. It's possible to play well with a pad though. There's a really good Zangief player in Street Fighter 4 called Vangief who plays with a pad. He can do standing 720s on the pad.