The love-hate relationship with Elixirs seems pretty common. They definitely last a long time, which can offset the higher price. They are a little muddier sounding when new, and while they reduce finger squeaks, I don't really mind finger squeaks that much to start with. Also, from time to time I've noticed some weird buzzy undertones on the wound strings; it's subtle, and at first I wasn't sure if it was my imagination, but I've come to believe that the Gore-Tex coating isn't always all that securely bonded to the windings. The coating also tends to get a little frayed around the picking area (I flat-pick and fingerpick, with nails), which may be a contributing factor.

I usually use D'Addario medium guage phosphor bronze strings, the EJ 17 set. But in my experience most reputable brand (GHS, D'Addario, John Pierce, etc.) strings of a certain type (medium guage phosphor bronze) are pretty comparable. The most important thing is to change your strings often.