Wow, what did I start!
1. I love my VS. It is an older model and I bought it on ebay in ~2001? for under 400.00. It has been back once outside of service for an issue, but otherwise it is a workhorse of a reel and I beat the snot out of it.
2. My main issue, after the sticker shock wore off, was not a rip off in what they did, but rather what I view as a lack of communication on their part. While they stipulate they will not notify unless over 150.00, with shipping came to 149.00... WTF.. I would have a appreciated an email saying we have updated some parts and to do all of the replacement work will be X dollars over the 50.00 service charge. I was expecting 50.00 for a cleaning and such, and be back fishing. Could have avoided a case of sticker shock, b/c I still would have moved forward with the work!
regardless I got my M-1 reel back, now just waiting 6 more weeks till she gets wet...