Just like you, I really can't praise VSL enough - and you should know I'm usually pretty critical, although not unfair in my critic, I would say. Anyway, the VI interface is awesome, intuitive and yet very powerful, and the instruments do sound fantastic. I've only gotten my hands on the complete Solo Strings and Standard Edition of the Special Edition bundle, and while the latter is somewhat limited in terms of articulations (how I would love some fast legatos for the orchestral strings and grace notes/tounge fluttering for the flutes!), I'm sure it will be sufficient for my needs for a while. I'm quite a noob when it comes to orchestral music, but VSL has really inspired me to learn how to compose and arrange for the orchestra. I feel the day I discovered VSL might be the first day on a long joyful journey into the world of the symphonic orchestra. :) I've already picked up tons of vaulable information by studying the tutorial files, both videos and midi-files.
So, thanks a lot to everyone at the VSL-team, and happy new year to everyone!
// Niklas