Is it worth purchasing the VPI 16.5?

Totally. I have had my 16.5 for 24 years (and I listen a lot)and feel record vacuums are the best long term investment. My vinyl is in great condition because of my VPI 16.5. I use RRL Super Vinly Wash which works very well for me too.

16.5 With Paul Frumkin's cleaning fluid.

A record washer is a must have if your gonna spin records. However I think the extra money for a 16.5 isn't worth it and is unecesary.

Buy a nitty gritty and turn them buy hand and save some bucks to buy more records

There clearly are variation among record cleaners in their effectiveness. You may be satisfied with less effective cleaning or you may not. In part this probably depends on the quality of your vinyl front end.

It is worth every penny, particularly if you use Record research record cleaning products with it.