"Is it worth it?" is very much in the eye of the beholder. I bought literally the most expensive pump I could without ever seeing one in person let alone using it. Why you may ask? It wasn't a "look at my Ferrari" moment. It was a "I want the most efficient, controllable, and backed product on the market" decision. Same reason I bought my BK skimmer and LED lights from GHL…. reliability and track record. I have no problem paying for a companies R&D. Without companies that do the hard work, knock-off companies like Jebao would have nothing to copy.
I think you'd find if money wasn't a barrier (I don't mean that as a cut to whatever your financial situation is) you'd buy the name brands when possible.
And for what it's worth I have never had to replace parts on my vortech mp40's. They have been running for ~4-5 years. I clean the wet side once every 6 months maybe. Now my Profilux controls them and synchronizes feeding and maintenance modes with my light, skimmer, return pump, vortech mp40's. For me that compatibility between products is worth every penny.
Just my two cents.
Scott
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