I don't understand why the Moleskine brand has grown so popular when the paper quality is so poor relative to other manufacturers, e.g. Rhodia/Clairefontaine.
I've been using Moleskine for years and the paper hasn't bothered me at all. I might just be a pleb though.
My favorite notebook right now is a Rhodia No 18 dot pad. Staple bound is far superior to wire.