How do you measure "prose quality"?

I read books for the story (well, aren't books stories?) if it is written poorly - I don't enjoy it. And for me Gene Wolfe is written poorly the world is interesting but the story there was not entertaining at all for me and I read just the first book.

(BTW. I'm probably the only one but I just couldn't bear the constant mentions that some females face was shaped like heart).

Hyperion has interesting story and keeps you on your toes (just the first book).