Should I get a stick in the future? I currently have a 360 controller that I might replace because it tends to disconnect on me often, and I don't know if I should get a stick or just stick with controller to see if it's any better. A stick looks like it might be pretty confusing to get into, but I'm not too sure.
I personally don't own a fightstick, but I played with one at a local arcade yesterday for Street Fighter 3 and Street Fighter 4. As a home controller, these things are crazy expensive and can cost more than $100 for a simple controller, sometimes more than $200 (found one today at a store just like that). Anything less than $50 is garbage that breaks easily, and anything more than $200 is not suitable for beginners and may or may not be difficult to setup. I wish I could have a fightstick, but they're a little expensive for me and my parents to afford.
But 360 controllers are awful for Fighting games though and I would recommend seeking a replacement. The analog stick can be annoyingly wobbly, the D-Pad is small and unresponsive, and the shoulder buttons and rather to slow to respond instantly; plus it can be annoying to do chain combos with only your thumbs. The wireless controllers also have a bad habit of the batteries dying or getting shaken up during critical moments in matches, plus they don't respond as fast as wired controllers.
Luckily, I found a
http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-WWE-All-Stars-Brawl/dp/B004M22C0S|perfect replacement. This controller makes it a lot easier with the 6 button layout, rubbery grips (more comfy when I get sweaty hands), and the turbo button can come in handy for certain games too. If Fightstick prices aren't a bother for you, then it might work for you. But that alone may not fix all the problems you already face and might even make it worse, since many people who buy sticks often get pissed trying to train with them (including myself at the arcade, but I'm gonna try again anyway) and suck with them, and might eventually go back to using their pads. Although I'm not a fan of WWE, this controller is wired and makes it much easier for my combos and inputs that I could never do on a regular 360 pad; and the D-Pad is much bigger with 8 directions and more responsive. I got mine pre-owned for $22 (regular price is around $30) and its significantly cheaper than sticks.
If you can't afford a stick or it looks too confusing for you, then
this may be the alternate for you. I do want a stick for other FGs like Street Fighter, Umvc3, etc.; but I can use this perfectly for Skullgirls and I love it, I see no need for an Arcade Stick. I will be honest though; it can be very annoying to do
Motions when you first get it (at least for me when I did) and you might mess up forward or back jumps, but you'll get used to it. Maybe in a few days, weeks, or months (weeks for me); just depends on the person. Don't let me influence you too much though, if at all.