I have this watch, wear it daily and love it. I can report that some of the findings you mentioned in the OP could happen from time to time… I’ve had to recalibrate the compass a couple of times, but I didn’t consider it to be an issue. I haven’t done much traveling locally at different heights above sea level, but I did just go on vacation and had a kick watching our altitude drop during the landings… it actually helped me figure out how much time til we touched down. (this was all under 5000 feet).
The watch is super lightweight for its size and very comfortable. I usually forget I have it on. I still use a 5.11 watch for range stuff because I am still baby-ing this beauty, but eventually, I won’t be so picky and let it play everywhere. 
I’ve had 3 Core’s, and they all worked well. I only picked up the other two because they were great deals, and ended up selling them. I’ve had Suuntos for a very long time, and they’ve all been very accurate, and very stellar watches. The only thing I’ve ever had was to send two back due to me diving and hitting the buttons accidentally under water, causing a slight amount of water to get in and get condensation under the bezel. I’ve also had to replace the straps due to them being worn and tearing. I also have a Suunto X6, basically an earlier version of the Core, T1, T4d, and an Ambit 2 for training. You will not be disappointed.
Did you just buy some new straps somewhere, or did they replace the parts for you?
The little keeper on the band broke on my Core, and I’d really prefer not to buy a $50 replacement band. I called Suunto’s customer service, they never delivered the promised part.
I did get the watch on a screaming deal, though. $200 shipped a few years ago from Buy.com.
I searched and searched before biting the $50 bullet and buying from amazon.
I’ve been dying to get one of these for a coupla years. my main concern is that the Core and a few other models are made in China and not Finland.
I know, I know, 75% of everything we own is made is China. I’d rather not spend 300.00 on something made in China though. A keychain is a different story though. Knowing my luck, I’d get a lemon.
The band seems to be the biggest complaint on everyone’s list. You think that a great watch should come with a great band!
jaysandkays etsy store offers a NATO band and a set of good lug adapters, not the ones that make the watch “stand.” I replaced mine and haven’t even considered going back to the original band.
ETA link: Lug adapters and strap
Thanks JohnnyC. I may just see if i can order the lugs. I already have a spare NATO band laying around.
And I do agree with you, Doc.Holiday. I have enjoyed the watch, but was honestly disappointed in the keeper breaking after only a year.