I don't like the measuring system in Malifaux. There, I said it. I like Malifaux, but when it comes to measuring distances in a competitive experience, I don't like it.
In my opinion, measuring takes practice depending on how precise your gaming group wants people to be with measurements (sometimes just a 1/16in can be the difference between a model being in range and not in range or engaged or not). And, depending on your gaming group, a measurement discrepancy can lead to an argument or maybe a 5-10 minute discussion just to resolve and move forward. I understand that measuring systems allow a lot of flexibility compared to grid based systems. You can place your models anywhere! But...you know, you could just use a smaller grid to accomplish close enough to the same thing...with a lot less headache in my opinion.
But this is just my opinion. Maybe lots of people just don't like grid-based systems compared to me.