Having used a VPI HW 19 Mk III for 20 years, I can say that it served me well. I bought it used with the platter and bearing upgrades, along with SME IV tonearm and a Sumiko Virtuoso Diamond Titanium vdh HOMC. I did not use the cartridge that came with it, rather used a LOMC that I had FR 1 Mk III F. Both are still operational but probably due for a retip. Steve Leung has the bearing from the VPI right now as it failed after I used it for 20 years. Steve (VAS) does all the service work on bearings for VPI..........according to his son Ray.
When my VPI went down, I fiddled around with some old rigs, including an AR (THE AR), which is not a bad inexpensive rig. Pretty much a Linn copy, within reason. I recently bought a Linn LP 12 with Lingo PS (first version), Ekos tonearm and Cirkus bearing. Old upgrades. It came with a Linn Karma LOMC and this combination is probably the best I've owned as yet. I first heard an LP 12 over 50 years ago, finally own one and I am very pleased with it. Maybe down the road, I can complain as other Linn owners about how fidgity and fussy it is but for now, I am very happy with it.
I have no real experience with other high end rigs but reading reviews and paying attention to what people say, I'd lean toward SME if I ever felt like buying another turntable. Not likely to feel the need but you never know.