As far as which is better, I have flown both. I find that the victrola handle trim tab provides a finer control and I have got used to the position feedback that the spring tension gives me. In contrast, the quadrant style seems jerkier and the knob position is not an accurate enough as position feedback. It could be in need of lubrication, but that is what I have felt on someone else's plane. As for the cable breaking and being potentially fatal, it is not true. I have had two cable breaks and all you need to do is push the steering column forwards with your spare foot, ( no pedals so I have two spare feet ) and compensate for the broken cable in level flight. On landing it is not necessary because the cable would be slack anyhow.
So if anyone is converting from victrola to quadrant or the knob o the side, I would be happy to trade a pilot side quadrant for your existing victrola mechanism to keep as a spare because they are getting quite scarce.
