I fully understand that flaws will occur one way or another. It happens. In my case it was a poly Nordkapp. The fact that Valley would not stand by a flawed product that they sold leaves a bad taste in my mouth. One would think that a company with the reputation that Valley has would care a bit more about their customer service.
For me a straight keel line is too important. Other flaws or blemishes may not have been so important and could have easily been remedied or just wouldn't have mattered. I had no desire to spend that kind of money to paddle in a circle.
My Tempest 170 is also poly. Although the hatches aren't as water tight as Valley hatches and the overall condition of the kayak isn't as rigid or durable as the Nordkapp it does have a straight keel and I love paddling it.