Trying to choose my Joystick. Analog/digital options and "joystick_map" settings

[NoMoUserNames]

After having "build an arcade cabinet" be on my to-do list for a solid 20 years, I'm finally pulling the trigger. Calendar is cleared, budget is set, wife is on board. Awesome. Let's plan the controls.

So, my issue is one of stick options. My "must have" list does include both 4-way and 8-way stick controlled games. There are a few "nice to have" games that use full analog sticks, but nothing mandatory.

I know by default, games that expect a 4-way only (donkey kong, pacman, burger time, etc.) play less than ideally with an 8 way stick. The issue seems to be less of an issue with "stick feel" and more in how MAME/the games interpret the diagonal inputs (usually interpreted as deadzones). I found several threads referring to using MAME's "joystick_map" settings. (example: https://www.retrogamedeconstructionzone.com/2019/11/joystick-mapping-in-mame.html) This function seems to be built with the idea of an analog stick in mind, but I am not clear on whether this will help improve the game play when using a standard 8-way stick as well. And if so, whether that is enough to get these "4 way" games feeling right.

Or if using an analog stick like the UltraStik, does it work well in "4-way" games?

Anyone experienced with Joystick_map settings have any thoughts or advice? thanks in advance.

Some other notes:

• I need a solution that is "wife and kids" workable. Meaning no lifting the control panel and adjusting the gate as needed. So the Ultimarc Mag-Stik Plus might be an option, as would the servostick
• We are not arcade game purists. I know some 4-way games had "+" shaped restrictor plates and a diamond or even open circle might "feel" different, but that should be close enough. As long as the actual gameplay is reasonably precise and not frustrating.
• I'm still on the fence about doing 4p or 2p controls.