Trangia!  Nothing is quieter.  Nothing is easier.

I've seen the same problem with older MSR stoves, pre shaker-jet.  I took my Whisperlite winter camping once, it leaked from the valve and hasn't worked since.  I suspect it's due to two different metals in the valve assembly.  Stripped & lubed - still broke.

Don't get me wrong, MSR stoves are still tops in my book for most uses.  The assembly & process daunted a couple of my buddies to the point where they wouldn't set it up or turn it on.  Once I showed them the Trangia suddenly everyone makes coffee!    ::)

Do not get the UL Trangia model that doesn't have the full windscreen.  It sucks.  Either of the other two models.

The only downside is that I have to be careful about the pots I buy as the pot-stand options are limited.

Do not use MSR fuel bottles for Trangia fuel.  The fuel will ruin the lid.

The best part of the Trangia is that you can walk away and not burn through a whole bottle of fuel.  The burner only holds a couple oz of fuel so if that burns out it's no big deal.