I'm probably a bit of a mainstream guy, so this is great for me!
Just finished the advanced synthesis course this morning, and it was really good. Nice overview of Vital there as mentioned.
I do wonder though, is Serum 'better' in any way given so many have it - and pay for it? The two seem very similar in use, and can't imagine the sounds you'll get out of either is very different in the end? I understand there are loads more presets for Serum, but in terms of making your own, that won't matter much, would it? I mean even going full Pro on Vital is only $80 compared to $189 for Serum.
I've been a little (a lot) intimidated by the interfaces of Massive X and Alchemy, but I really like Vital's - it seems very visual and inviting to me.