Agree the lists are questionable... I have an Argosy in really nice shape and I enjoy it. Agreed that it's simple and relatively one dimensional - but looking at the IPDB ratings it's rated near the absolute bottom. I'd never advocate it as being the best ever - but for $300 (good art and fully working, no less!) it scratches a really nice EM itch. I'd say it's all in what you can find and take it from there.
Then again - I had a Sound Stage which is somehow rated even worse than Argosy.