Like almost all things Italian, the MVs are an aquired taste. However, like all things Italian, if it breaks you'll wind up paying more for parts than a penthouse suite in Vegas for a weekend. I've never liked the MVs, but then I'm not a fan of the Boxer twin either - in the looks department.
And as far as rising prices go, just in the last 18 months or so there has been a noticeable increase in SOHC parts - and not just the sandcasts.