I suppose I should mention that the only control pad.. e.g. "D-Pad" that I prefer is the type that's used in the Sega Saturn controller. And not to argue the point, perhaps it's just a matter of personal preference... But like I said, there are times, and certain games , where using a D-Pad for movements is easier than using a stick. imo. And, for example: fighting games would best be used with a stick. etc. :-)
I could go further and request someone that knows how to do some (so-called) "advanced" techniques in a game such as Super Metroid - to try them with a stick and then a pad and convey which of the 2 was easier to use.
Then again, that could also depend on which type of controller the person was used to using for that game. I've tried an arcade control stick in that game... And I didn't do very well at all.
I know some feel that the nes/snes d-pads are superior, and I also wonder what they're smoking.