Some of the hate they receive is from a licensing/infringement battle with Lie Nielsen if I'm not mistaken. I haven't heard the V3s receiving any hate based on performance.
I'm tempted to pick one up to give it a try. On another forum I get messaged somewhat frequently asking about these and other variants. Would be nice to be able to answer those questions.
These aren't exactly cheap and I need another plane about as much as I need a hot poker in the eye so maybe if Santa delivers a Woodcraft gift card for Christmas I will pick one up. Then do a nice write up comparing the WR, Stanley, Marsh, and whatever other 4-1/2s I have lying about.