Nickel and dime....interesting considering that when I did my research for acquiring present computer, I do not recall the X-1 coming with anything more than its charger and by the time I had to acquire the software + connectivity to download dive profile to laptop or desktop computer, it ended up being a very expensive proposal for what I consider to be a relatively comparable product.
VPM...for the type of diving that I presently do, last time I checked, there were very minor deviations between VPM and Buhlman dive/deco profiles. So i have no problem diving with the latter. Maybe that could change if I eventually consider diving trimix but for now I am quite satisfied. However, the nice thing is that if it ever becomes the case, I will be able to get VPM-B for a relatively low cost and installed it on my Predator.
V-Planner...I have to admit it would be nice if one license would allow an individual to have it installed on a laptop/desktop computer as well as on a mobile device. At the moment, two separate licenses are required...
Tapping vs buttons...to each its own. I prefer the latter and have no difficulty navigating through the various menus either at the surface or underwater as I find it very intuitive as when you enter sub-menus, sub-titles are easily readable to let you know about the functions of each button.
I also like the fact that it is a dive computer that can grow with you and it is up to you to decide if you want to pay the delta for the capabilities that you may or may not require in the future. personally, I am quite honestly not considering trimix (let alone rebreathers) but I wanted a computer that offered me one step above what I was after. Therefore the basic Predator (stand-alone, OC Trimix) meets not only all my present requirements but also goes one step beyond.