My gut tells me that if one goes about it right and has some DIY ability to make it right, Linn tables may still represent on of the better values out there.
If not, and support is needed at each point along the way, perhaps not as much compared to other current day options that come with good support. The support needed will also factor into the cost though.
IMHO, getting phono absolutely right to audiophile standards is NOT EASY, even for those with experience.
IF you have to rely on external support to do it, plan to pay for that support in that my experience has been that audio gear has never had high margins needed to provide extended amounts of free support and for vendors to still stay in business.
A little DIY goes a long way I would say, especially in the case of high end phono setups.
