The DHC1 is a design of a totally different era, so it's no surprise that it's a "nicer" aeroplane to fly.
The DH82a was the result of a number of design change specifications requested by the military, as I understand it. These were based on modifications to the DH60 as already discussed, and resulted in an effective compromise to meet the needs for training.
The DH82a remains a superb trainer inasmuch as it teaches you to fly accurately and manage energy appropriately. The DH60 is, imo, a much nicer aeroplane to fly. It's lighter and the control harmony seems better than the DH82a.
But to compare these aeroplanes with the DHC1 is like comparing a DHC1 with a Bulldog. Different era, different needs, different design. Or maybe you could compare them with the original Cub, still taildragger, contemporary design, but totally different performance and role spec. Or comparing a C152 with a Decathlon... Fact is different aeroplanes are designed to meet different needs.
Older ones are more likely to be quirky, but even newer ones have "nice feel" or not, for different people.
Another good author to look for is Stuart McKay, who has written a number of books on deHavilland types. They make interesting reading and are delightfully written.