I'd be suspicious of any dealer making the claims you are stating. As I understand it, quality acrylic in sizes needed for large platters (2+ inches deep) is getting hard to find. So VPI's change to aluminum has more to do with materials availability at a price than anything else. Besides, aluminum is easier to machine consistently. As far as the motor is concerned, the aluminum platter is of a similar weight to the super platter, or at least close enough that it requires similar torque. If VPI really wanted to cheap out on the motor, they would have stayed with a lightweight solid acrylic platter (although cogging then can become more apparent.) What is lift power by the way?
Sprung vs Unsprung VPI Turntables.
Taking a look the new VPI unsprung tables I feel that they have taken this path based more on economy than on sound quality. Take a look at there new Classic. Its clearly a replacement for the revered HW19 MKII,III,IV but with out the suspension. Now think about the manufacturing process. For unsprung tables once your plinth is cut and ready all you need to do is bolt the parts on and you are done. With a sprung table things are complicated. You need to match your suspension parts first, assemble them and then they need to be calibrated to work properly. You need skilled labor and fine tuning to get the tables to the stores.
So, my point is no need to jump to a new fad just because...
So, my point is no need to jump to a new fad just because...