Arrg. I tire of this.
Go to Miller, Lincoln, Esab, websites, and ASK a tech.
Ultimately: the STRONGEST weld is created by the machine that can deliver the PUREST weld (free of contamination).
Show me that you can SMAW (stick weld) contamination free, and I'll partially concede.
Besides: you can weld up Aluminum engine blocks with a Tig Just fine. The heat doesnt bother the operator, because they wear proper equipment while welding. I wouldnt consider an engine block to be "thin material". Dont confuse "flexiblity of a welding system" as a "limitation in that system". You can weld .080 waspalloy with the same Rig.