I'm a natural skeptic. I don't know where your thoughts are on these, but my fanciest hubs are Dura Ace and White Industries. I've had no performance issues with either. Durability wise I have had to replace some bearing cartridges in the WI after a couple seasons of winter riding. The DA have been cleaned, re-lubed and reset a few times, but are now 10 years old without a part replaced.

I also have or have had wheels with Novatec, Bitex, Velocity and lower shimano hubs. And truth be told I have not had significant issues with any of them either. The Al cassette holder on the velocity rear got pretty chewed up. That is about the most serious issue I have had. On a miles per dollar ratio I really can't fault any of them.

I will probably continue with WI or DA because I can afford them and I like some of their design features. But from my personal experiences and what I have seen with cyclists I know I really can't justify telling people they need to buy the hubs I do let alone spend more.