The Tektro Rx-5 brakes on my bike pictured above were less than $30 for the pair. The new TRP CX-9 is a bit expensive since it has fancy anodizing and whatnot but so are the boutique cantilever brakes.

All I can say is that I've run Cantilevers (Tektro CR720 front, a low profile rear) that I had set up "perfectly" with Shimano brifters and was pretty satisfied. No squeal, plenty of power, etc. But the Mini-V brakes seem to provide both more power and more modulation. What's not to like?

It's going to be a personal preference thing, but some of the theoretical criticisms here just do not match up with my real world experience so I think some of you all ought to give Vs or MiniVs a try sometime.