A little late,, but the Veritas is worth every penny.
It's a great machine! I'm sure Lie Nielsons are fine also,, but not quite so readily available up here in Canada.
I think a good rule,, is to buy the best there is of whatever tool you're looking for. You'll never ever regret the money. If you buy a lesser,, you very well may. If you can't afford the best,, wait till you can.

Then again,, my father in law made lots of money with the cheapest tools ever. But he wasn't working wood per say.
my 2 cents!