I think for the period the classic Briggs design represents - the late 1950s - early 1960s - they were a revelation. Simple, easy to start, smooth-running, light, cheap, reliable, remarkably durable for their design - they really set a standard. Going from a Tecumseh or a British engine to a side-valve Briggs could really spoil you. Of course from 1983 onward, going from a side valve Briggs to an OHV Honda could spoil you all over again, but those are heavy, expensive engines, and much less suited to rudimentary maintenance from home mechanics. The old Briggs design was simply masterly for its intended purpose.
We don't have much data yet on OHV Briggs engines. I suspect they left the change far too late, resulting in having to chase Honda for a share of the premium engine market, with a product that in most cases is no better and may be a little worse. Briggs can win some parts of the contest though I think - I have yet to see a report on their 850 that is less than enthusiastic. However the decision to call the small OHV engines Intek after that name had been sullied in the large engine class, was regrettable. I mostly find Briggs' marketing unfathomable at present.
