Hi Chilt,
Different people can accept things that drive others mad, you only have to look at past posts by people who can't cope with a focussing wheel that operates in the reverse direction to that they are used to or people who are intolerant of the slightest touch of chromatic abberation. It doesn't matter what other people think, if it drives you mad then you would be foolish not to take it into consideration.
To make something inexpensive then there will probably be compromises, one such as Binastro points out may be quality control, on the other hand, good production engineering can sometimes mean that an inexpensive device can be produced in bulk far more consistently to a higher standard that something costing more with more human involvement.
Reading reviews, many people have bought Puffin binoculars and been delighted with them, others have different expectations and for them it was be wrong. If people can't agree on binoculars costing over 10 times as much, you can guarantee they won't agree here.
It may feel that we are letting you down, but I suspect that very few people, unless they are a dealer or manufacturer has sat down and objectively compared binoculars at this price point. Even 'Which' has no reviews relevant to this discussion. Expertreviews seem to like the Puffins, but I have no idea what they compared them to. Other published reviews don't cover this price range and some come up with some very strange recommendations.
Quite frankly, probably none of us were competent to give you an answer - yes - the Puffin sounds like a good bet, but its based on prejudice rather than fact.
Binastro is so right, if you are buying in this price range, only you can really decide what is right for you.
However, the Aculons you have ordered are a much safer bet, and the 8x seem well priced at the moment.
One day I may pick up a set of RSPB Puffins and give them a try - but not this month.
Have fun with your new purchase.