Usually easy enough to spot the fakes in person, or with quality photos.
I too prefer the rugged reliability of the older Leupolds and do not hesitate to buy the Vari- X III, VX-III or VX-3 versions in 2.5-8x36, 3.5-10x40, or 4.5-14x40 (mostly with the B&C reticles).
As my eyes start to age, I am finding it nice to have the illuminated reticles, and have now acquired a number of VX-R and VX-5 and 6 HD scopes with either the FireDot or Illum. B&C reticles. Huge advantage when aiming at moose and bears in the thick, dark timber! To date, these have proven reliable for me.
While the latter have the CDS turrets, I am a range and shoot vs range, dial, and shoot hunter, and have yet to order a turret for a particular cartridge, load and elevation, as I hunt such varied terrain, elevations and weather conditions.
The B&C has worked very well for me when I have needed it in the field. (I also verify all of my loads at the range and practice using them regularly before heading afield on any hunt.) If I were a prairie dweller and hunted there more often, I would likely use a turret more.