I was a die-hard Futaba fan until the 2.4GHz radios came out. Futaba was late to market with their 2.4GHz radios, and I didn't like the initial offerings. I went with Spektrum and have not had any problems with my DX7, DX6i, or DX5e radios. I fly at a 2.4GHz only club, and the vast majority of the guys fly Spektrum/JR. Most of the guys flying turbines and large gassers seem to favor Spektrum/JR as well.

Futaba uses frequency hopping, Spektrum uses code spreading, one is not superior to the other.

As for removing the tab on Futaba servos so they can fit into other brands of receivers, I just use a pair of flush cut wire cutters and snip it off.