I agree but any solenoid and needle valve can be kept for new reg so just sell reg when you want to upgrade. Also buy the highest quality needle valve you can afford because it would be a waste of a good reg if you fit chinese needle valveIf you like the reg and don't want to use an inline diffuser I see no reason why not to, I've had my BOC 8500 arrive today and that was only £50, but if you can get it cheap then go for it. Make sure it is CO2 though, not any other gasses. A Burkert 6011 solenoid is about £42 and needle valves vary in price but are around £40 so it may be worth getting a reg you like now, however if it was only £20 I’d buy it and use it until a better one comes up and sell it on.