I spent a lot of time auditioning the Velo SPL-1200R before I purchased my Axiom EP500. Although the Axiom outperforms it for less money, I don't think it is fair to say that the Velo is not a good value.
Larger subs perform better than smaller ones, period. As you get into smaller subs, you need to pay quite a bit more for comparable performance. I think you need to compare apples to apples. When you compare the Velo SPL's to the Paradigm Seismic, or the Sunfire Signature, I think you will find it is a very good value. If size doesn't matter to you, there are better options than the best of the smaller subs.
Greg