You know, dbonertz.......you have gone through many of the same mental gymnastics as I have!๐
One thing for sure is, you have a very high quality lathe, and as long as you can adapt your techniques to the circumstances you've created, there is no reason to not envision you having the Vicmarc VL300 long bed for a lifetime. Same for me, and my Australian Woodfast lathe. Heck, I've had it for 22 years now, and there isn't a single thing I can't do with it. Granted, there may be some inconveniences I'll have to live with, but nothing that can't be done, because all the production problems have been solved with good results not being sacrificed.
I keep buying my lottery tickets, and if Lady Luck smiles upon my wayward soul, I'll have that Vicmarc VL240 swivel head lathe! ๐
ooc