I've never been a big fan of Stihl. Mainly because of the difficulty working on them, opinion based off older models. The newer ones I've had my hands on seemed even worse with over complicated small parts, easily broken (plastic).
I was a die hard McCulloch user from youth. Still have 'em. Yes, heavy saws that didn't scream like other brands. But made TORQUE. They got a bad reputation for not starting once hot, but opening up the carb jets just a "whisker" cured that problem and the fuel economy noticeably improved. Learn quick to re-fuel at the first hint of a near empty tank and they'd always start in 1-3 pulls. You didn't dare run a Mac out of fuel though. Only cure to restart was a lengthy cool down.
Favorite to run was a Mac 7-10 24". Handled a 32" with little problem. But after an hour in winter time, your fingers would be snow white from no blood left in the digits caused by vibration (no anti-vibe). But the amount of wood you could cut in that hour was impressive. BIG, long chips and lots of 'em. Much like Ox describes with his Homelite. Even from across the holler, the sound of these old saws was recognizable. These new ones all sound alike (screaming).
Run all Husky now. Very fond of the 372XP frame. Easy to service and very durable with a good power/weight ratio. Seems very balanced with 24" full-comp/chisel and handles a 32" semi-skip/chisel in hardwood well. Even the little 435 X-Torq 18" semi-chisel is a great limbing and small firewood saw. Technically the wife's saw, but I use it quite often too, especially when milling.
Still fire up an ole' Mac every once in awhile though.
Now that most saws have computers, I don't have a use for 'em
... Don't care what brand.