Karen I'm noticing the same color change thing going on. I think White Flower Farm describes the changes each Versa variety makes as it matures. I haven't tried mine in full sun yet.
As to cost, I'm sure raising them from seed is cheaper than buying cutting grown varieties but here the Versa plants are being sold for the same price as the cutting grown type. Personally, I wouldn't pay the same price for a Wizarard or Carefree mix in a 4 inch pot as I would for say, a plant from Rosy Dawn.
And, who knows how well the Versa may over winter?
Hope we'll all keep each other posted.
Judy