i came to a pretty similar conclusion..
after wearing the 3rd party braided loops for about 48 hours i guess they will not be part of my daily use..
- the braided structure looks sort of deranged after being stretched a little (when being stretched/pulled over the hand..)
- after seeing, how the braided stuff/fabric is whiggling in the lug, i really dont trust that strap anymore. Dont want a situation, where i can see my watch fly away =/
- the fit of the lug in the watch is not the best: it can slide in.. but if the if the locking mechanism snaps, the lug is not very snug: occasionally i can hear metal on metal, when the arm/watch is doing fast movements.
- the apple braided loop is about 1.5 to 2mm wider.. 3rd party loop looks thinner.
hmm.. hope, apple will give us some more colors for the braided loops... i want a braided plum solo loop