20 years, I have been playing vp since the 1980's. Early 80's.
Bonus mode and progressive meter are all calculated with the RNG. You don't get anything extra in the long run with those bogus bonus machines. The bottom line is you spin and the RNG takes over bonus or not.
The difference with vp is the decisions you must make. It is still random but if you constantly make the right decisions those random positive spins will favor that player. You don't have that option with slots.