If you always want to be able to run the latest images and genuine plugins as soon as they come out, then yes there is no real alternative other than original boxes.
Clones will always be caught up in the cat and mouse game between the manufacturer releasing anti-clone measures to protect their investment and clone teams trying to circumvent the new measures. So you will be stuck on older images or more specifcally clone safe older drivers..as much of the anti-clone measures in the Dreamboxes and VU recievers of recen comes in the form of newer drivers containing clone protection.
Dreambox clones have been in the same boat for a long time, with only the A8P SIM currently able to run the latest images without any modification.
To be fair though the only reason the clone market is so succesful is beacuase of the ridiculous prices orginal equipment is priced at, if manyfacturers priced their products sensibly people would be less inclined to buy clones. Increased competition and the clone market have had an effect you can see more realistic pricing of recent on satellite recievers.
Personally i've had a great experience with clones over the years and never lost money infact quite the opposite, I not only saved hundreds of pounds over the years on the clones i've owned (Dm500C, Dm500S DM600, DM800HD, DM800HD PRO, DM800SE, VU DUO), I managed to sell on my older DM800HD (non SE) clones of at a profit when I upgraded to a 800SE and DUO.
I will however say Ferarri Team are probably one of the biggest reasons why VU clones have so many issues, hardware wise and software support wise.The Ferarri DM800 clones were rubbish as well..It was only when the SIM2 team came onto the scene and started making better quality clones , glitch free Rev M tuners, and the Sunray 800SE clones backed up with software and image support from RamiMaher, MFaraj etc that DM800 clones became reliable. Ferarri team have a track record of fake claims, poor hardware, missed deadlines on patches etc..They also dont like criticism on their forum and are quick to ridicule, bann members, delete posts that they dont agree with,,