I think it depends largely on who you ask! If you ask someone that owns a vortex who was stepping UP, they will undoubtably tell you that they like the Vortex better! If however you talk to a different group of people that have had other high end scopes, they might tell you a different story completely.
We have to remember to compare apples to apples. When comparing a scope, we have to ensure that everything is similar. Right down to the object reticle, the tube, and so on.
NOT all high quality optics manufacturers offer the same warranty as Vortex. I can tell you that from experience. Many offer a limited time warranty. Others offer a no nonsense, lifetime transferable warranty (like Vortex). This could be both good and bad. Does it mean that there products break more than others so you are constantly left with having to replace them or get them fixed? Maybe. Is it a selling point in some instances? Probably.
I recently did a comparison of range finder. Understand that I own Zeiss, Leupold (two different models), a bushnell, an older Vortex, and HAD a Nikon. The Vortex was a much better range finder. That was compared side by side with all of the ones mentioned as well as Sig, and many of the other manufacturers. That said, it is my opinion that Vortex would NOT be my first, second, third... ok, it wouldn't be in my top five for scopes!
What does that mean coming from me? Maybe nothing. Or maybe I am qualified to say something based on my years of experience as a Marine Corps trained sniper and marksmenship instructor!
Although I might look for a few different things than other people depending on what I intend my platform to be used for, the basics are usually the same. Also, we must keep in mind the price points we are talking about. Leupold (as an example) has scopes from $200 up to several thousand. Just because it has the name doesn't always mean it is the BEST in that price point.
I will say that for scopes less than $400 bucks, you cannot go wrong with Nikon. I own several of them and would purchase another for the right situation. I also own Burris scopes and would consider them my second option for scopes in the $500 to $1000 dollar bracket with Leupold getting the top spot from me. Zeiss gets a nod in that bracket as well. Over 1grand, I look at Leupold and Night Force. I am somewhat partial to Leupold as I grew up with them and also trusted my life to them. That said, I have zero issues purchasing another scope when making comparrisons.
Based on the problems that many long range shooter brotheren have had, I would NOT consider them. As I said, there are many other options in different price ranges. If however they want to send one to me to test, I'll gladly take them up on the offer to put it through the ringer!
I have OCD "Obsessive Crappie Disorder"