Any thoughts on how complicated or pricey it is to remove the bail from a VS?

Might be easier to trade

It is completely a different reel isnt it. I would try and sell the bailed model and buy a bail less
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Completely different set up, sell it and get a bail less.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

A friend of mine broke the bail off his VSB150 mid-summer and fished the remainder of the year with it. Other then a somewhat sharp edge it worked just fine.

Best bet though is as others recommended - trade if possible or sell it and buy a bail-less reel.