If we buy precuts, we should NOT have to recut them ! Otherwise, why buy them ??

I have had NO problems with Moda precuts, I've used quite a few of all types in the last 3-4 yrs. Only once with a charm pack, ONE square was folded in and miscut. It was still larger than 5" though, I just retrimmed it.
I have had several problems with charms and strips from OTHER makers, so I'm pretty wary of buying them ...

Well to each their own with precuts, I LIKE them - because you get a sample of every fabric in the line - and very few shops even carry most of a line !

But - I was also sorry to see It's A Stitch is headed in that direction ... it was a very good quilt shop, always had great fabrics and patterns. Seems strange they're ending the quilt shop, since they have the other 2 sewing-only stores ? It was a long trip for me, but I always stopped in there and spent a lot of $$ when I was up on the north side. They've lost me as a customer too, sure won't drive that far just for precuts and I don't need a new machine! too bad ...

How/Where are the pinked edge squares measured?

I would expect ALL manufacturers to have a similar cut measure EXACTLY (well, within 1/100 of an inch or so) the same -

If it says "5 x 5" - I EXPECT it to be 5 x 5 - and all of the pieces to be the same!

Some people are able to compensate for wonkiness - buy why should one have to???

Would a newbie even think about possible unevenness? All a newbie would probably think of would be frustration - and swear off quilting - after just plain swearing when the pieces didn't go together well!

I don't buy precuts because I prefer to wash fabrics before cutting - but IF I did, I would want them to be the size stated (plus or minus a very small variation - one can only get something as accurate as a material allows)

My Mom had given me a couple of packs of charm squares (from quite a few years ago - they had straight cut edges - and were mail order - ) one piece shrank down to 4.5 x 5 -a few of them became diamonds instead of squares -

I always check the measurements and recut if necessary. I have only found one jelly roll that had a strip that wasn't cut straight. So far my charm packs and layer cakes and the rest of the jelly rolls have been cut correctly.

I've been lucky so far, I think.
I have several sets of the 10" squares, all Modas, I think.
I have way too much fabric and never sure what it is til I start to use it.
My problem is that I've yet to see any really neat way to use the 10" squares. And yes, I have visited the Moda recipes.

You can't expect them to be 5 x 5 after washing. All cotton fabric is sold unwashed, and pretty much any cotton product will shrink, often more in one direction from the other (hence the diamonds).

Forgot to answer the question
When I order specific cuts: e.g., 2 1/2" strips. 10" or 5" squares, tumbler packets etc. I expect to get what was advertised.
If I don't, I consider the vendor dishonest and no longer deal with them.

I do love your philosophy.

I usually cut my own...I've received a couple of honey buns as gifts, but haven't used them yet. I have too much fabric in my stash (according to my standards) so I'm using up what I can.