I spent a lot of time looking at cookware before getting this set.  My daughter has a set of Cuisinart just like this and I love working with her pots and pans.  I typically use smaller pans so I supplemented this set with separate 1-quart and 2-quart saucepan purchases.  I spent a bit more than originally budgeted but am happy I did.  These are not too heavy; the handles do not get hot where one usually holds them; the rims make pouring very easy; they are very sturdy; they seem to heat up evenly.  
When I boil pasta, a "stain" is left on the bottom of the pan but these can be removed by following the directions.  They just don't bother me and they show me how evenly things have been heated.  I wash them by hand rather than in the dishwasher, to keep their original shine.  
As a grandmother, I can see myself passing them down to one of my grandchildren when they grow up and move away from home.  I'm pretty sure they will last for another generation or so.