For MAME, using the U360 has it's advantages (instant 4-way, 2-way, 48-way etc.). I haven't touched one myself yet (I have JAMMA cabinets only) so I don't know how it feels, but if I were you, I wouldn't "stop and be happy" with the knowledge and machines at hand.
My favorite part of this hobby is customization and modification of the HARDWARE. I don't like software (or computers), but joysticks, buttons, soldering etc is awesome fun. This is why all the joysticks in my house are customized in one way or another. Sure, a brand new Seimitsu LS-32 is a very nice joystick (not only my opinion), but it is even better with enhancements:

The colored ones are original LS-32 parts, the white ones are custom made. They make a world of difference, especially for shmups.
The SUZO 500 is a great stick as well, but ugly. But with a custom shaft, you can just put a nice balltop on it and it will look just like any other balltop stick. It has some flaws though, but with some quite easy modding, these parts work as intended.
I have this as well:



Handmade by an English engineer. He's awesome, and so is that stick. So keep drawing until you find the stick of your dreams. Or just fix the issues you have with what you've got. The latter is often a better place to start.