I've always loved the VW. The staff is friendly and the routes are usually good.
I don't think the VW is the wal mart of the climbing world. They offer the employees benefits unlike wal mart and they don't sell all that silly crap.
For those of you that only use a non gri-gri belay device that's like saying you only know how to use a manual vehicle verses an automatic vehicle. There's benefits to both. I've never owned one myself but I know how to use one and it makes for an easier indoor climbing time.
Life is full of experiences. It's a shame that you only try something once and make an option based on one experience. Did you like broccoli as a kid? I didn't but I sure do like it now.
Open up your minds and your body will follow.