As colonel Potter would say to Jaybo "Horsehockey!!!" The Scout is a fantastic table right out of the box. Don't take my word for it, read the reviews and informal posts and look at the sheer number of sales. [That is why there are more Scouts than Thorens on the used market--there are simply more out there] The ability to upgrade in a variety of ways and price points only furthers the attraction. I'm sure there are literally thousands of Scout owners (like myself) who will own their Scouts for years and use them with pride. Ultimately, "satisfaction" and "pride of ownership" are determined by VALUE and, to varying degrees STATUS. The VPI delivers an amazing value and I doubt seriously that there are many owners apologizing for having them spin their vinyl. Now if we are talking about NOSTALGIA as a factor determining "satisfaction" and "pride of ownership" that I can see. I have a 1973 BMW 2002tii that I restored that I am very "satisfied" with and brings me lots of "pride of ownership". It will get outrun by almost any modern sportscar of even the middling sort but I don't care because the performance matters less than the nostalgia factor. I think people cling to their old tables (and other things) because they like to reflect on and connect with their past, not because the thing is necessarily "better" than what is now available.