Well I'll tell you right now...at any stage, you would know the difference between a regular servo and a Hitec "79" series or a JR "87" series servo. You can actually SEE the difference right in front of your eyes the first time you actuate the servo on a control surface!

I use the Hitec 5625mg as a throttle servo in most of my build applications. My typical 50 and 85cc class planes I'll run...
Hitec:
7955TG Rudder
7985MG Ailerons & Elevators
5625MG Throttle
or
JR:
8711A Rudder
8611A Ailerons & Elevators
8417 Throttle

When you start getting into the 100cc class then you change things a bit but the basics remain the same!
As far as the Hitec being a "sub-standard" servo to JR...never herd or experenced that either. With the exception of a few guys that like to talk about things they have NO experence with or about nor have ever tried, to actually base their opinions on! [8D]