I can only speak from personnal experience. I had the NG 1.2 and sold it and bought the VPI 16.5 and have been very happy with the decision. The problem with the NG was that you needed a seperate surface for wetting and scrubbing the vinyl then flip the LP over to clean it. With no visable means to monitor the vacuum progress you guess when it done.
The VPI lets you scrub while the record is on the platter so it does the turning for you. Then the clear vacuum tube lets you see the progress as it removes the solution. I really don't understand Nitty Gritty's motives in their design.

And look, I even registered once I realized I'd posted as anonymous by accident

Glad to help. One other not I like the VPI fluid but I really prefer the Disc Drs. Miracle Record Cleaner. It seems to suds up a little more and I beleive that indicates more dirt lifting. Also the brushes they offer seem to be better. I still use both. Good luck in finding a good buy.

I think that it really comes down to convenience as I think both can work very well. The VPI is probably a bit more convenient.

BDT