I too had a VFR 800 which served me well for 20,000 miles. After a major lifestyle change I changed it for a once in lifetime bike (well for me anyway) and got an Aprilia Mille R. Now that was different.
Now I have a GS1200 and I have no doubts that (for me) the GS is a much better bike than the VFR.
My VFR was not quite the paragon of reliability that some claim for the model. New front discs and pads at about 3k miles; the trademark RR change, a replacement battery in the first year and corrosion issues that meant you really, really had to keep on top of things during the winter - and the bike was nearly ready for a downpipe/collector box change at approaching 3 years.
Whhat you will get with the GS compared to a VFR is a lot more torque and very useful that is too. And significantly more miles to the litre/gallon - around 50 compared to 42 in my experience.
Visibility is better, both from your perspective looking out for things and for others who stand more chance of noticing you - but make no assumptions about the blindness of others. The first makes things more relaxed whatever speed you choose. The GS is slower in top speed terms than the VFR, but I suspect that real word riding, day in day out, would paint a different picture.
You say "I need convincing it’s a wise change". All others can do is provide info. Up to you what you make of it. After all, I could be clinically insane and never have ridden a bike in my life. Come to think of it ....
Saw a signature block once that caught the eye - The internet has given new respectability to uninformed opinion
.
Whatever you choose you won't be a million miles away. Both are good bikes and sensible choices, and both can be hooligans if that's your inclination.
