I don't see a difference in quality. But I do see the subtle differences in the dolls.

I, personally, like the silkier hair of my M dolls, it's easier to manage, and less likely to get messy. And it looks so nice and shiny, I'd love for mine to be that shiny, lol!

Yes, the Mattel dolls have more makeup, but I do think it's a nice change from the much-loved pale PM dolls, my 96 AGT has no lip color, as you can see in my avatar. I really want to paint them, but want a very very realistic pinky color, and I'm having difficulties finding the right color. I think with the dolls, Mattel or PM it really depends on the doll when talking about the "makeup." My Lissie has a bit too much on her lips, I still think she's gorgeous, it just looks like a bit much for a 9 year old. I think my Nellie's lip and cheek coloring looks PERFECT, and I think there's a bit much on my PM Samantha, and I think the paint on her lips makes the shape look odd.

I also like the feel of the vinyl on both. The PM dolls (or at least mine) are softer, almost greasy (trust me, though, they aren't), whereas the Mattel dolls have a more matte feel. I really like both.

Not sure I could say which I liked better, PM or M. I love all of my dolls, no matter what they are. I do think MY Sam and MY Josefina are prettier than the ones in the catalogues, but that might just be that they're MINE, not so much that they're PM, because I also think my M Nellie and M Felicity are prettier than those in the catalogues. And I really like the Josefina face mold, so I've been liking more and more of the M dolls.

I do think there is way too much attention put on the differences, and what makes one better than another. I hope everyone loves their dolls for who they are. I know I love my M Felicity, I love her brown hair and neon eyes, that's just *her*. I think she's a gorgeous doll, even though I would like to have one who looked more like Lissie in the books.