Interesting post, Spliff - because I can really understand you.
My first bike was the 650. When I bought it, I was in no doubt about it. It was the best of the ones I tried. (I am 2m tall, so my options are rather limited)
After a few years, I wanted something faster, and the 1050 was obvious. So I swapped out the 650 for the 1050.
I really like the Vstroms, but I am not satisfied, and I cannot either choose what would be the perfect bike. Probably such does not exist.
Even though the Vstroms are very reliable, I agree with you about the quality. It is a cheap bike and it feels cheap, and honestly... it is not the comfortable on longer rides. I am sure the you know what I mean.
Multistrada V4... well, the Danish police just decided to go for these, and I have been checking them out... but it fails on the reliability.
The good thing about the Vstrom 1050 is:
It is cheap.
It is very fast. Great, well proofed engine
Very reliable
Fairly good handling
Easy to maintain.
So ugly and cheap that no one wants to steal it. (I have had it around all Europe even places where I was told to lock up my bike to a fixed point, but I have always only used the standard steering lock, and that bike has never been stolen)
Was I have been looking at/tried out:
BMW R1250GS - a great bike. The best that I have ridden.
What I understand is... It is not that reliable. Expensive to buy, own and maintain. Loved by thieves.
Multistada V4... I want it, but:
It is too unreliable
Honda Africa Twin - size fits me, feels like quality. Android auto. Yet I chose the Vstrom 1050 over this.
KTM 1290... I don't like it... it does not feel right
Suzuki GSX1000 - fun bike, but way too small for me
Yamaha Tracer 9GT+ - yet to try out
Don't know... I have probably not contributed with anything with this post... I just want to tell you, that I fully understand you...