Just for the "record", my experience with VPI has been wonderful.
I bought a prototype table with a gimbal arm that was replaced for free when I had some problems with it. I bought it at their New Jersey factory and headquarters. They sat me down in front of these massive vintage JBL speakers, turned down the lights, and allowed me to listen long enough to decide. Accompanied by Mat, I got a tour of the factory and met and chatted with all of the craftsmen involved. I'm a craftsman, and from what I saw, VPI is constantly innovating with the best tech that can be had and selling cutting edge engineered products without price gouging. VPI, in my opinion, reminds me of the 1950's, when this country was in its manufacturing glory, with small to medium-sized companies producing well built gems.