...Also learned that if you want to run the remote on the Valentine you have to have the later one that says ESP on the front.
Depends on what remote you are talking about. The audio module as mention above does not require ESP.
I have two V1s. Wife got ahold of mine and I couldn't get it back. That's why we now have two.
Love the arrows and the bogey counter. Learned the ins and outs of how/when/where it works and have NEVER received a speeding ticket since purchasing my first V1 in 1998.
As far as the competition, I don't want to subscribe to a database of known falses for $20 a year. Also, not comfortable with GPS enabled units as I want to know about all threats and decide for myself what is or isn't a concern.
I have seen LEOs sit in the middle of known false spots (sneaky devils) and nail un-expecting drivers left and right, even with radar detectors.
As for the upgradeability, if you keep it upgraded regularly, the fee is only $35 to $75. It is true that the longer you wait the more it will cost, depending on what new features have been added. It reaches a point to where the price is hefty (not as much as a new one, though) and it literally is just a trade in for a new unit. Heck, I sent mine in once for a small ($35) upgrade and they sent the unit back, upgraded and with my check in the box.
Be careful of buying used. If the serial number is missing or unreadable, they will not upgrade the unit.