I think a lot of the difference in opinion of hydro vs gear results from the terrain where you operate the machine.
Some people say a hydro holds speed. I offered to buy a brand new JD 420 from the local dealer if the tractor could go down my lawn and back up 1 time without touching the hydro lever.
The dealer tried it, on one of the less steep areas with a brand new machine. He went down, turned around, started up and the tractor stopped.
Well, when the tractor failed, he said it must need adjustment.
After adjustment the tractor failed again.
He said he had never noticed that before. That is what hydros do.
I just do not like constantly moving the hydro lever to select the ground speed for some things. Constantly selecting the speed is great for pulling a cart.
I mow with a Gravely, that is the best of both worlds for mowing on hills.
I never pull with the Gravely, the 1872 hydro is better at that.
For "feeling" my way along grading or pushing a blade, the QL1000 is entertaining.
If I lived on flat ground, I probably would only have the 1872 for all jobs.