I had a w.e. go deluxe, and it for sure was a great setup for the money. I did a number of full reprofiles with it. What really happened was I learned how to sharpen and how to raise a burr. It was a giant light bulb for me.
So much so that when I would touch up with very fine ceramics by hand (setting up for a quick touch up was cumbersome) I understood about hitting the apex, and that truly made freehand sharpening so much more enjoyable.
I eventually switched to all freehand sharpening on diamond stones. Sold the w.e. But I don't think I would be anywhere near as proficient freehand without having learned on a w.e. I know my experience is not the norm, however.