Hello Ed,
I find NotePerformer having the more expressive result, the weakness (personal taste here) being the strings.
Some people are just reworking the strings in DAW but let the other instruments played by NotePerformer.
I think the “problem” with other libraries than NotePerformer, such as VSL Synchronized Edition or BBC SO, is the interpretation of the score: you will have to tweak CCs and note durations in the Play tab.
You can check how it can sound with VSL here.
For your Dorico/VEPro problem, please check the tutorial I posted if it can help you (it’s using VEPro 7 and BBC).
I have no doubt that Dorico is on a great path for a better interpreting of the score and so a better audio rendering.
Best regards,
Gil.