Basis Turntables: Worth it or Ripoff?

SR is a scam, but I’m not calling Basis that, just curious about the value proposition.

Is the 1400 worth it, it would I be much happier with the next level up? How much is Basis’ perscision engineering worth compared to other, perhaps less, exacting standards at that price point (VPI, Pro-Ject, etc)?

Curious about the value proposition but compelled to use the inflammatory word "rip-off" in the title of your post, gotcha.

But they don’t look like much, but have very high prices. 

Then , please , tell us all what you yourself gauge against a product of Basis’ calibre from the base level on up, to even have a reason to ask , or more to the point and truth, make false innuendo in the first place with the term "rip off".
What do YOU , personally own and use now to be so suspect. It must be spectacular in "your" opinion to not see what all others see as precise , quality built AND sounding products, at least as plainly as we see the reason for your post from the get go. If you have to ask a question such as this , I definitely would suggest you, yourself, learn THE BASICS about all things analog and better ways to camouflage your intentions.........................

Value is in the eye of the buyer and user, maybe more so in audio than in any other hobby.  For example, while I have defended Basis Audio products just as most others have done, I too think that SOME (not all) of the Synergistic Research stuff is suspect.  I only mention that to point out that each of us has his or her own threshold for suspending disbelief.