Ya mesquite is as popular in Texas as offset smoker's are, and I think the two go hand in hand.
I could see how it would overpower a WSM or similar.
Speaking of charcoal, have you used Stubb's (its at Lowes) and had any recent quality issues? It was my go to, but the last bag I got (Hecho en Mexico,
) was not as good as in the past.