Don’t forget the core as well! The Zercher is popular amongst fighters, for a reason. Also some love in contact sports. I too Zercher more than Front squats, simply because I can lean over a bit more.
@mattferrari for how long have you been trying Zerchers? It takes some time to get used to it, like the hook grip, and it will never be really enjoyable. I’m not ultra strong but I’ve worked up to a 150 kgs squat, yesterday I was doing sets of Zercher goodmornings with 120-130 kgs (which are even more uncomfortable) then Zercher back extensions with 60 kgs (worked up to 100 kgs) and all bare elbowed. After 6 weeks of this now I have really much less pain (also switched to the non-locked armed position which feels way better)
I don’t think nobody will ever need that much weight on that exercise. Some crazy strong people use it and they are far from that.
Concerning your leg development well perhaps try back squat with a narrower stance and trying to stay more upright? But honestly front, zercher, back, won’t make THAT huge of a difference for your quads