If you look at the lens and film specs and test data, it seems possible to produce excellent 11x14 images from 35mm format APX25 or TMX exposed with very good metering skill, with optimum lens setting, by a camera sitting on a tripod, processed very carefully, and printed very carefully. One also needs to pay much attention to preserve sufficient sharpness and good granularity, and all these leave little room for obtaining pleasing tonality and other qualities.(posted 8461 days ago)On the other hand, 6x4.5 or a larger format allows me to be a bit more sloppy about technical aspects and still produces excellent result, with some room to play with tonality, etc. In other words, overall, I get more usable results more frequently. It would give me more freedom if I used 4x5 or larger, but my enlarger can't handle LF so I live with MF.
It's just like a very carefully frugal person can live with $10 a day, or with a 35mm format. I need $15 a day, and 6x6 format.
I even feel like selling most of my 35mm equipment.