I've read through this thread, and I feel like sharing some of my experiences. MTGO would be the best place to play Vintage if it were anything more than a dysfunctional version of software that is free. Vintage on MODO also lacks the "cool" feeling that the original versions of the cards provide. One can find top quality opponents there, but the Vintage meta has been seriously limited because of bugs, complications, and the inability to recreate assumed outcomes such as infinite loops. On top of that the payouts are low, and I don't think they even have swiss events. I bought into Vintage on MTGO, but traded out of it shortly after learning swiss tournaments were no longer available. I'm not trying to be negative about MTGO because I think it is really cool, and I would definitely play there still if these issues were solved.
Personally, I like testing with software because it eliminates all of the shuffling, so it is time efficient. However, I do like to play in large tournaments in person every now and then. Almost no Vintage is played where I am from, so I sold all of those decks and what power I had around eight years ago. As far as the future of Vintage is concerned, I hope it keeps improving. I think it is more fun right now than it has ever been. I do think the prices on power represent some serious problems where sanctioned Magic is concerned. Its hard to say where we will end up. I do know that I will eventually own the power 9, but it will likely sit in a bank most of the year.
I think the most urgent problem is fake cards. I'm interested to see where this goes and how its handled. The VSL has obviously been good for the format, and I hope more things are done to raise interest in it. It used to be difficult at times to find good opponents, but at least this is getting solved. Hopefully cards prices get solved next
