I'll throw in my $0.02 since I just got an LVOA-C a month ago.
First and foremost I think it's somewhat silly to debate how much the rifle costs. If we were all looking for the most rifle for the cheapest cost, everyone on Sniper's Hide would run a Savage, and Accuracy International would be out of business. In all honesty, I didn't buy the rifle because I thought it was $1000 better than a DD, BCM, etc. I didn't buy the rifle because of hype or to be the cool guy, heck, I hadn't even heard of War Sport until I had a LVOA in my hand. I bought the rifle first and foremost because the first time I picked up the rifle it fit me perfectly and just felt
right which is invaluable when it comes to the primary tool that keep you alive in battle, secondly, it is well thought out and built with quality components, and thirdly, I was confident that my money was going to a family owned business that has integrity, and backs up their product - that was worth the $3000 to me and it took me close to a year to save up for it. If you can build a similar AR-15 that shoots well and gives you a warm fuzzy for $1500, all the more power to you! With most everything firearm related, it all comes down to personal preference...
I'm one of the wonky right hand/left eye shooters so when I first started looking at the LVOA's, John suggested that I get a left-handed upper, so that's what I did. So far I really like not having brass thrown in front of my face, but after shooting standard M4's and AR-15's in the Army and civilian life it's taking a little getting used to. On regular right-handed actions I really like being able to see into the action with minimal movement and clearing malfunctions with my right hand, so it will take some training to become as proficient with the lefty action. Not to mention it would behoove me to keep non-interchangeable spare parts on hand should I ever need them.
It's hard to explain the recoil impulse of the LVOA but it's more mild than any other AR I've shot. Not that an AR recoils much anyway, but it definitely is a nice feature of the rifle. My initial perception of the muzzle blast is that it is also somewhat milder than a conventional exposed muzzle, but I haven't had a chance to do a side by side comparison to verify. Overall, it's very pleasant to shoot.
When I was zeroing the ACOG TA11 I was getting about 1.5 MOA groups off my backpack, so I feel it's a very accurate rifle, and I have no doubt that it would be a 1MOA or less rifle with good ammunition, higher magnification scope, and a solid rest.
The first time I saw the rifle I didn't quite get why you'd want the handguard so far down the barrel, but it's proven to be a great feature. You can lean the rifle up against anything and not worry about barrel deflection, you never have to worry about burning your hand on exposed barrel or melting anything if you throw it in the case or in the back seat of your car, you can attach your sling near the muzzle for maximum support and no worries about barrel deflection from the sling. The handguard is rock solid, with no wiggles or flex. Lots of location options for mounting accessories without being too bulky (i.e. quad rail). My hand fits around the handguard nicely without it feeling too small, or to big. The barrel is slightly recessed so you won't damage the barrel if you ever feel the need to muzzle smash something. I like how the handguard attaches and does not raise your sight height. My biggest complaint about my POF is the dang handguard makes everything too high.
For 99.9% of my applications I will never use the bungee cord on the handguard, but it weighs next to nothing so I'll leave it on there...
The CMC trigger is great. No creep, clean break, and comfortable pull weight.
The 45 degree selector switch is nice.
All the ambi-controls are great.
It's not a super light rifle, but doesn't feel heavy either.
I like the color...
It would be cool if you could fit a suppressor under the handguard, but I don't feel like it's a deal breaker that you can't. Like John said, it's a go fast, go loud rifle. If you could fit a suppressor under there, I know I would probably try, and in the process lose the balance of the rifle, overall simplicity of the system, and create more problems with carbon blow back and potential cycling issues. Kind of a "sour-grapes" attitude but it works in my head anyway
So in summary....is it the best thing since sliced bread? No, probably not, but it suits my wants and needs, and I didn't mind saving up for it.
Edited to add: The TA11 is working out nicely but I think Trijicon needs to slap the designer of the killflash. It's so wiggly and unsecure I put the handstop in front of it to keep it tight and in place. I could totally see myself knocking off the killflash and loosing it without my ghetto fix...