I really cannot blame the motors...! They ran fine when just connecting them to the receiver throttle output. After reading this forum for several years I strongly believe the frame caused the issue. AQ likes rigid/stiff frames! I ditched the soft 3d printed frame for something much stiffer. 3mm carbon arms, and overall better quality. no rubber mounts etc.
There are the motors I used before:
These are the motors I use now (untested in flight)
I am using 4S with 6 inch props.