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.

[BlueGhost]

I'll add another option, the GRS switchable 4-way 8-way restrictor.  It works basically the same as a servo stick, but fits a Sanwa JLF or JLF clones.
GRS switchable 4-way 8-way restrictor and the 4-to-8-Way Restrictor Extension kit for extra joysticks.

I have one panel with the GRS switchable restrictors and one with UltraStiks, both have pros and cons. 

UltraStiks don't really need any extra input because MAME can do the mapping.  You may want to customize the mapping in MAME, but beyond that it's all pretty automated switching between 4-way, 8-way, and analog. 

The GRS or ServoStik need the front end and/or LED Blinky to do the switching between modes, if you want it automated.  GRS has a button for switching modes if you want to do it manually, I think you can do that with ServoStiks as well.

UltraStiks will work better with full analog games and 4-way diagonal games like QBert.  GRS or ServoSticks will feel better for most games because of tactile feedback from the restrictor shape and physical switches.

[NoMoUserNames]

I'll add another option, the GRS switchable 4-way 8-way restrictor.

Their site doesn't mention it, but is it safe to assume that they can be configured to toggle the restrictor plate automatically based on what game is launched like the servostick?

GRS or ServoSticks will feel better for most games because of tactile feedback from the restrictor shape and physical switches.

Is it just an issue of the tactile experience being noticeably different, or does the actual gameplay suffer (like it does if you just try to play on a normal 8 way) when using an ultrastik mapped as a 4 way?

I might notice the inauthenticity of an ultrastik acting as a 4 way via mapping, but I'd bet that nobody else in my household who plays it would ever notice. I am still ASSUMING that joystick_map settings in mame only affect analog sticks. If that is true, I am basically down to weighing the traditional feel of a true 4 way vs the ability to play some "not mandatory, but nice to have games" like Food Fight, Sinistar, etc.

Or just slapping a bunch of different sticks on the same board, but I'll probably go with one of the other choices before that.