I know I'm late to the "Quaker" party, but I feel compelled to add my nickel's worth. I've had my Quaker for about three weeks now, and I love him. Bucky is about a year old and I'm his second home. He wasn't mistreated at his first home, but it wasn't the optimal living environment for him.
He's definitely picked me as his person. I've heard that they can be one person birds, and I certainly see tendencies towards that with him. As a result, I make it a point to try and keep him well socialized. I've taught my children (14 and 19) how to approach and handle him so as to maximize their chances of a successful interaction. I think they've both figured it out, but it's come at the cost of a few sore fingers!
I haven't found him to be particularly cuddly. I have a GCC as well, and SHEs cuddly! Bucky wants to be with me but not necessarily attached to me, which is fine with me. I'm beginning to work with JJ to teach her how to stay where she's put. Bucky hasn't ever had a problem with that.
Noise? LOL!! Yes, I suppose he gets noisy on occasion!

Mostly I notice it in the mornings when we're trying to sleep in.

I'd say in general though, he's noisy about three times a day, about 20-30 minutes each time. During those times he'll start babbling, squawking, whistling, practicing his words, screeching, it's just a jumble of sounds and madness.... and I
LOVE it! It's my favorite part of the day with him because he's so interactive at those times - he LOVES to talk!
As far as mess goes, I'd say other than the fact that he refuses to poo in any kind of a consistent manner, his mess is minimal (as far as birds go.) He flings food off his beak like any other bird, but that's about it. He's not a chewer or a shredder (unless I give him tissues). He just like's to hang around and watch what's going on.
All in all I love him dearly and wouldn't trade him for the world. If someone has the time to socialize a Quaker well (and keep them socialized), I think they can be great companions. If they're not socialized well, they can become very territorial, over-protective pit-bulls. So you make them what you want them to be.
