Address books: LDIF, vCard import/export troublesome for any one else?

Am migrating from MS Windows to some flavor of Linux. Biggest issue is finding an adequate Personal Information Manager. I've been trying out all the major ones available in Linux.

I am amazed at how much trouble I'm having doing data exports -> imports of address books, using LDIF or vCard file formats. For example, exporting the address book from Thunderbird email client for import into Gnome Evolution. If I use LDIF format, the notes field doesn't import. If I use vCard format, phone numbers and/or email addresses don't get imported.

What on EARTH? I'd assumed these were mature and well-understood methods of getting data out of applications and into others. Boy was I in for a rude surprise.

I do this much export -> import of data infrequently, so I don't have context. Is what I'm describing - getting fields in records to import correctly fairly common? Or am I cursed or just having a real bad month?

Thanks for your insight.