What is your opinion on vertical grips?

I had one on the A700 (Sony) and A500 (Meike knock-off), ergonomics were fine for portrait shooting but I didn't like the extra bulk for pretty much anything else. With the A55 and now A77 I haven't missed a VG yet. The A77 with a hand strap feels perfectly comfortable to me.

I have to add that I mostly shoot light lenses up to the 70-300G but even the Tamron 200-500 works fine without a VG for me. I would not rule out getting another knock-off grip in the future but definitely wouldn't spend the money for the Sony. Just my personal opinion.