Both the Velox and Valentino were low end, not to be confused with other models in the Campagnolo range, so it is indeed splitting hairs. As stated before, it would appear that the Velox was made for use in the non-Italian, non-traditional Campagnolo market. Similar to an OEM product. As far as price goes, the Italian wholesale price lists that I have, show the Valentino to be higher priced. If in other markets the Velox was higher priced, it would tend to point to a marketing scheme. As far as the levers go, I wouldn't read too much into it. The Gran Sport was initially offered in the 50's as either screw or thumb-screw. The Valentino also was first offered with thumb-screw some time between the 1968 catalog and the 1974 catalog, but by the time of the printing of the 1975 catalog, they once again only appear as screw mount only. It would appear to be a case of six of one or half a dozen of the other, with neither truly better than the other. They were both simply lesser than the rest of the Campagnolo range.