I don't regret sticking with discovery's and will always buy an ES as I love having the leather and toys.
This one was underwater half way up the screen in the floods and the only issue has been a temp gauge stuck at maximum.
With a lift and a decent set of AT tyres I get the road comfort I need and find it capable enough off road for me and my family.
I am quite happy enough watching trucks like Mikeys climbing the difficult stuff and carrying on to do the bits I know I can do.
John, if it's your desire just to follow Mikey everywhere then a defender should have been your choice.
As people have stated you can set up your disco as extreme as you want but it's all about how much you are willing to spend doing it.