Shadeflower, thanks for sharing your perspective on Phals, it's interesting to hear the other side, even if I somewhat disagree!
What I find interesting is that the things that make Phals or Oncs/Catts appealing (or not) for both of us are opposites. I wouldn't say that Phals grow slow, it's just that they grow vertically instead of horizontally. I prefer Phals for the same reason you dislike them. While I do have some Phals/Oncs, I dislike that they get increasingly larger and need to be divided and or otherwise repotted into ever larger pots. Phals stay compact and rather low maintenance. Unlike you I find them to be the easiest type to grow, though this is subjective and largely dependant on climate and cultural/watering habits.
I like Catt flowers (not the floofy types), but think the blooms don't last long enough when I consider the space they take up. Mini Catts are the exception, but there's not much selection for those here, compared to the USA.(I've been drooling over SVO crosses). Therefore I prefer giving my limited space to orchids which bloom for months on end (Phals!). If you get the right rights, they can be fragrant too.
It's true that it would be nice if more Phal species/hybrids readily make keikis, but I'm also quite happy to NOT be drowning in an endless supply of them.
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