I notice a common "thread" when people compare drum patterns from one manufacturer to another. Most users tend to "favor" a particular brand right off the bat. It's must be a taste issue, because it is difficult to sway these feelings to another direction. Myself, I like the Korg programmer's idea of what a drummer would do. There are certainly MANY different variables to consider, but the simple truth is - you will most likely respond to one over the other based on personal taste.

It's not in the length of the loop or even the quality of the sample (variables)- the pattern itself, is what drives the groove. We can add to that with other rhythmic techniques, and play along in a style that will compliment the groove, but when all is said and done - if the pattern doesn't "move you", chances are....
it won't with longer measures (or loops) either.

Some of the best times I've had with "live" drummers are the times I played with "beat keepers", and not "monsters". Rhythm is basically a SUPPORT for the melody, and in most cases, a simple approach to the rhythm is easier to work with than a busier one.
This is pretty subjective, because as I stated earlier - either the drums grab you, or they don't. "Feel" is so important to music, and you generate it in many different ways. Having owned all the major players in the arranger world, I have come to appreciate the simpler, more generic rhythms because they suit more styles of music. When the need arises to have a specific drum pattern like .......
"Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" (for example) - I program, buy, trade, or modify to suit the song. The largest advantage of sequenced music to me, is to get the correct drum parts. That song has so many different sections - it would take the entire memory of a keyboard just to handle the different drum patterns used.

In closing - my advice is this (and has ALWAYS been this)
the drummer/arranger is the second most important item in the piece. It follows the melody/vocal, and precedes everything else. Don't try to fight it or "lead" it - it won't work that way. You must follow it's groove, and add the "life and breath" on your own. It will only sound like a machine if YOU get into a mechanical frame of mind and start to play robotic styles, yourself! A terrific blend of man & machine can be achieved with a very small amount of machine. The "human" element is what makes it music. The rest is just a building block. Think "out of the box", and let the "box" do it's own thing.