Its not even so much the tension, Aquilas are just a stiffer string even when not under tension. They are not fully nylon or flourocarbon, and having had lots of experience with just about every string out there, it isn't your imagination. They sound great strummed, but most of the players I know, including myself, who enjoy fingerstyle prefer a thinner, softer string like a full nylon Ko'olau gold, Worths, or make Daddario J71s. Bending is possible on Aquilas, just not as easy. I actually think the matte surface of Aquilas sounds too scratchy for fingerstyle playing as well...it is easier to slide and get a smoother sound with something else.
