bw, you mentioned getting good quality goatskin gloves and I think quality's the key. Goat is a tough, flexible, durable leather that remains more flexible than pig or cow hide when it dries out after a soaking. You might want to oil the leather, too, so that it remains softer after drying out. You can wash the propolis off goatskin and it won't shrink and stiffen like others. If you wear leather gloves, that is the way to go, IMO.
Early in the season I sometimes go bare handed. Most of the season I wear nitrile gloves (5mil), getting stings only occasionally. Rarely do I feel the need to wear my leather (goat) gloves, but I do keep them handy for those times.