Here we go again.....
I have taken apart the "trash" receptacles, and I find that they don't have much of a grip on the wire, usually only two thin points of contact. Many times, I am able to pull the wires out- easily. I also note they are listed these days only to #14, and solid wire at that.
I have never used "WAGO" brand connectors, but I did just use about 800 of the Ideal "In-Sure" variety on a job recently. Looking into the case, it appears that there is a lot more metal contacting the wire. Of the 800, I found only one bad connection after assembly, and maybe discarded a dozen during assembly.
As for stranded wire....Ideal set up a 'demo' at the local parts house, and the stranded wire was more than stiff enough to enter the connector easily. In the field has been a different matter. Using #12 MTW, I had some difficulty getting the wire to enter the throat of the connectors; #14 entered without a problem.
I don't know what wire Ideal used in their display, but it entered the connectors a LOT easier than the wire I got from the parts house!
Tex, the arguments you ascribe to Germany (steady spring pressure, etc.) have all been made here in favor of the 'back stab' devices. They have not been born out by experience.
One thing I really like about your "choc block" strips is that each wire is held by a separate screw.....even wire nuts don't always grab all the wires. You can also add/remove wires without disturbing power to the other wires (what makes you think I ever work 'hot?" :-) )
