BTW, it didn't cost me $700 but $499 cash for my new 250. A bigger bang for the buck, eh?

By far the best investment ever on a surf reel because of the way I fish.
I had too many problems with the 705 in the short time I had it, particularly after any dunking in water or sand. I was glad to get rid of it. The 250 just feels far more substantial, indestructible and smoother. So far, it's been behaving superbly with the 50# Sufix Performance braid.
I don't know too many people who even have their VS serviced on an annual basis anyway. More like every other year or two, unless you fish it hard 300 days of the year.