JPicket,

Unscientific polls are just that - unscientific - and should not be used without a lot more information. It could be that the homemade stoves were being used by people who understood the tool (since they took time to make them and probably spent time learning how to use and fix them) and the other systems were being used by people who did not even read the directions. The homemade stove owners also had a self interest in "not having problems" since they had pride in their work. Commercial alcohol stoves seldom cause problems either. Gas canister stoves seldom give problems when used according to instructions. I have used lots of stoves over the years, most of them were problem free except for operator error.
Admittedly easier in a more complex stove.

Respectfully,

Jerry