I am sorry to disappoint but the described hypes are BS.
My Belgian combo:
* ... is very consistent. It never changes its behavior between honing sessions. I have a routine that *always* results in comfortable shaves. I do not care what other members' coticules are like - I only use mine.
* ... gets the job done fairly quickly and w/o the risks of overhoning. I overhoned on synthetic hones in the past and it was a major PITA.
* ... easily replaces three Shapton hones, including those in the hight price range. It does not require an expensive lapping stone either.
* ... looks lice, smells nice, feels nice.
I have a bunch of synthetic hones sitting in the drawer because I like the Belgian combo so much better!