UpandIn, I have heavy hardware (a lot of it--in bins now).
Now, ALL I use is the lighter weight DW 7000 straight or, the 6000 straight stands.
I have the lighter version 2 leg (think it's a 3500 now) hat stand. I need a 2 leg stand, but I like the 7000 hat stand a lot.
I play the flat base stuff in a heavy rock band. I can put a 24" Giant Beat ride on it and beat the p*$$ out of it (if I choose to), and it's not going anywhere--it's not real low either.
I only use straight stands, so I can't respond on how the FB booms work, but the 7000 with a boom I have used, and it is PLENTY sturdy for any cymbal.
I find the FB straights are very sturdy up to medium high (average, eye level) played with a pretty good amount of gusto. Played really hard they "move" a little, but they aren't going to fall over.
I put my tom on a FB 6000 snare stand and it's solid, and the grip is plenty enough, and the basket arms are small enough to not choke the drum at all.
I use a 7000 snare stand because it goes lower than the FB 6000. It'll move a little if your really going at it, but other than that, it's stable and stays put.
Gibraltar also makes REALLY NICE Flat Base stands, but I went with the DW because of the Memory locks.
If you don't want to go the flat base route, the single braced stuff a lot lighter, & is plenty sturdy for just about anyone, but beefy enough to boom stuff off of too.
As to the quality of the DW 7000/6000 series stands, they are VERY well made.
Smooth at all points, and the memory locks are great. The tilter is the same on the heavy stuff too.
I have a tall hardware case, so I just fold up the legs, and I'm done. The case is A LOT lighter since I made the switch, and they've all held up great going on 2 years now.
Good luck!