Blah, Blah, blah,blah, blah ,blah,
  If you havent ever driven one,how can you offer an honest unbiased opinion??
I have a plain Jane 83 GL that i converted to Subie power. Best thing I ever
did!!
 40 more hp 22mpg around town- no leaks no problems. Open the hatch every
other month to make sure the motor is still there.
 If I buy another Vanagon, be it a Westy, Synchro or otherwise- the Subie
motor from my van is going into the next van! I will never own a VW van with
a WBX in it EVER again!
 I dont see the logic of your arguments,sounds like you have a personal
problem.
Brian
83 Urabus

P.S. If you are ever in the Chicago area and want a drive- Look me up!