I'm with Ken above about combining Atlas ties with Scaletrax rails and I actually created a 'hybrid' section like this some years ago. Can't find the photos but it looked GREAT!
As far as reliability of MTH switches - We had a reasonably large layout using Scaletrax for several years and my (numerous) switches were virtually problem free. These were the old ones too.
A huge advantage of Scaletrax is the flexibility of the aptly named 'Flex' track - It does and returns to neutral when released like HO flex track. VERY easy to work with to create virtually any curve you will need.
The low profile helps give the illusion of 'massiveness' to our equipment too.