I kinda feel the same way, it comes down to technique and horticulture know-how.
I started with the old school bone/blood meal and compost years ago, then went to GH, after that I used AN for the last 5-6 years.
Iguana Juice 2+ gave me the best yield.
2 part 2+ gave me the best trichromes/potency.
-This grow I decided to do a side by side comparison of AN connisuer vs. Fox Farm
I'm using all the Fox Farm line, and a shortened AN chart, leaving out a lot of the beneficials and Dr Hornby products... Basically just the connisuer, Big Bud and Overdrive.
Both will get the Barricade (Silica) Carbo load (sugar carbs) and Sweet (molasses)
I'll see my results sometime in January, got the journal running, and it's pretty elaborate.
See a bunch of familiar faces that have already seen my journal.
Btw Hooked on Ponics, I was like you, swore on Advanced, but since there are so many more products available that are cannabis specific, I figured I'll try to save a buck, and see if the entire Advanced line is worth it.