Having owned both a bespoke VC and an off the shelf 89B (though both in 500), there is no comparison, at all. I sold the VC after 4 months and bought my Heym and couldn't be happier.
The QC issues with VC have been documented both here and on other forums. I had issues with mine: the action would break open upon firing, the left chamber was poorly cut and I had to check my brass (flange thickness) to ensure the action would close (a known issue on other guns) and I was subsequently told by the next owner that the right barrel (solder) had loosened in less than I year of build and was sent to JJ for repair.
Also, I couldn't get it to regulate with anything other than Woodleigh bullets. And the sight was off- can't remember if the ramp was too short or too tall.
No, my VC was a dog and I'm glad I got rid of it.
But I don't understand your thinking though: aesthetics be damned IMO if you plan on shooting anything other than paper. The whole point of the 89B was to design and build a rifle that weighed and balanced like a best London gun. The 500 89B weighs 2# more than the 500 VC which not only makes recoil more manageable, but also gives it the perfect weight (and balance) for an absolute rock solid hold with zero bead drift. Holds much better offhand than the VC on sticks.
Nope, I was very fortunate that Chris had that nearly finished 500 Heym with specs almost identical to the VC (which Jerome had me measured at DSC in '19). Close enough for me to gamble and sell the VC and buy the 89B sight unseen (even before it was finished & exported) four months before an elephant hunt. What does that tell you about confidence...or lack thereof?!?!?!?!
The Heym fits me like a glove, regulated with 3 different bullets right out of the box (my first 6 shots) and holds & handles like a proper double should.
They say life is too short to hunt with an ugly gun. Well, life is to short to hunt dangerous game with a gun that doesn't function flawlessly......
I wouldn't recommend VC.