JoAnn's has 40% off on Accuquilt dies today. Sadly, they don't have all the dies, but it's a good day to stock up! You can also order on-linean get 40% off - lots more dies to choose from.
As for the dreaded Vs in cutting strips, yu still have to carefully line up your fabic, but cutting strips is one of my favorite things to do with Accuquilt. So very fast! I have all the strip dies. I haven't started using the applique dies yet - that's my next goal!