Reply gives you access to those emoticons and other features. Like adding a thread to your favourite if you want to watch a response to your answer
Quick reply is great if you don't want to use any fancy formating in your message or you are already familiar with the codes. You can still add threads to My favourite when you just want to watch the discussion on a particular thread. If you already use the keyboard shortcuts for smilies Them -->
You might prefer quick reply.
Alex
