I don't care about the "bling" but I do like good function. Are the KapMan things any better than the vacuum caps at sealing the fitting? Nope. But when using the vacuum caps I often had more trouble removing the cap from the fitting because of the slicker surface and the fact that grasping the rubber cap can squeeze it onto the fitting making it a bit harder to pull off. Not a major problem and the cheap piece will certainly do the job. The KapMan is rigid so it's easy to grasp and it clicks firmly into place and stays there until pulled off. A good idea and well made but is it worth $9? Was to me (for 4), might not be to others. But you're right, it does look better too