YMMV it seems but I don't get the love for these either. The comparison with Feathers (or even Feathers and Astras in the same sentence) I get even less. For me the Astras are medium sharp at best (I am in a mild mood today...) and anything but smooth; pulling and tugging all the way, especially ATG.
That's been my experience as well. I did succumb to temptation and bought 100 of these, so I'll be revisiting these after awhile, but for now, they can't touch my two low-cost favorites, the Voskhod & the Personna Super "Labs". I'm glad they works so well for many others though.