I don't know how different standard aussies are from MAS, but now that I have taken the plunge and gotten an MAS/aussie type dog I don't think i will ever go back! Sure he baeks, herds my feet, herds the other dogs, baeks some more etc ... but ... I dont know how to explain it ... they just stick to you, does that make sense? Lol.
If it weren't for the reason that 2 dogs is our limit, I would totally steel one of these awesome pups.