I agree not exceptional and given a choice and alternative you would choose not to go. It does however put into perspective and question those that claim to make similar passage and to windward in smaller yachts fanciful to say the least.
Never having been a live aboard but I encountered several when berthed in Plymouth Yacht Haven several years ago that was not my experience, I found them to be friendly and open to the extent of invites to pontoon BBQs etc.
On reflection I think this is quite an interesting thread. Who in fact is qualified to give the advice?
Not me although I have to all intents and purposes sailed around the UK including the more remote and challenging parts but not in the sense that most would consider a circumnavigation and...
When I used to own a Vancouver Northshore used to do an open day for the members of the clubs of the 3 marques, Southerly, Vancouver and Fisher. There was definitely a pecking order in the order I indicated with the Southerly owners particularly the newer and larger ones, yachts not owners...
There’s bound to be but it will probably double the cost of the winch. Fitting one isn’t difficult, do it yourself that way when it goes wrong you will have a head start in looking for the problem.