Actually John, if I may clarify, none of the things you mentioned are "intrinsic" to flintlocks...they are "allowed" to happen by the owner / shooter.

Flintlocks are no different than taking up any other sport that utilizes equipment...you have to spend a little time learning about them and how to use them to avoid those things you mentioned...mine are like shooting a .30-30...I get 6 deer tags a year and have filled them all with patched round balls for a several years now, and specifically with flintlocks the last couple years...they're so fast and reliable they're all I need to deer hunt with.
http://www.members.aol.com/wjcutbush...7pointers2.jpg
http://www.members.aol.com/wjcutbush/54cal8pointer.jpg
http://www.members.aol.com/wjcutbush/45cal6pointer.jpg

After all, flintlocks are what the entire population of our country used in their daily lives to put food on the table, protect themselves from attackers, etc, for over a couple hundred years...won our independence, won the war of 1812, etc.

So give them a serious try deer hunting so you'll KNOW they'll work every time and you'll have a deer laying in the leave as if you'd hit him with a .30-30...get some black english flints, Goex powder, Oxyoke prelubed patches, Hornady balls, and drag'em out !!