028 is as reliable as gravity. My dad owns one that has been abused for years and its still going strong. BTW Tony sells e-luxes so hes abit biased,LOL. Just messin with you TS.
028 is the best little firewood saw, period. As for the master control, it is good enough to be on every Stihl saw built. Very few problems, and mostly caused by abuse or wear. Easily repaired.
There are only two reasons for someone to dislike the master switch. If they drop start their saws instead of holding the top handle with their left hand, and if they just plain don't like Stihls.
I haven't run an 028 in over 15 years, but I remember them as excellent saws. A buddy had one and he let me try it out (once). And that was only after I let him run my 038Magnum.
Best saw I ever owned, let my son have my 028 super because he is so hard on saws. Don't think he can tear this one up, it just keeps on going and going. When I was burning wood this was my primary firewood saw, just can't say enough good things about the 028.