I also agree, nonfiction in QP is awesome (esp if I say, wrote it, heh). I think they've gotten a bit better over the years in moving away from teh as long as they're reading arguement, though yes, some clunkers do end up on the list. (Though I would say that some clunkers have ended up on the BBYA lists in recent years as well.)

the number of clunkers has greatly decreased in recent years, partially because I think the librarians on the QP committee don't fall into the trap of thinking that poorly written = stupid readers will like it. If anything, I've seen livelier discussions about the level of writing from QPers than I have a notables (where sometimes it seems a reputation is all one needs).

And though I know I am like the only person on the planet who feels this way, I would argue that Piers Anthony is better than Madeleine L'Engle. But that's just because I really dislike her stuff (I know, I know, only person on teh planet...)