The New VX-3i has replaced the other previous VX series..Supposed to be better glass etc..also there is a New Freedom Line to replace the VX-II and I
Any thoughts or comparisons guys??

Not qualified to intelligently comment since it's been years since I bought a new Leupold. But I spent about an hour and a half cruising used scopes on ebay on Sunday, it's absolutely shocking the prices asked and gotten on the older Leupolds you mentioned. It seems there is a hell of a lot of demand for the old models. Now I don't have a clue whether guys actually prefer the older models from a performance standpoint...or if it has to do with the prices of the newer offerings. Just my own opinion, but I was always satisfied with a variable that only went up 3X, I didn't really feel I needed a scope to go 4X or 5X, especially since the price tag went way up too, for a feature I really didn't need. But then I am one of those old duffers that is perfectly happy with a 4X or 6X fixed power.

on a pod cast, leupold people said that todays leupolds entry level scopes are better than the old VX3 models 20 years ago.

I agree. I have two new (2016) VX-1 scope - a 2-7x33 & 3-9x40. Compared to Vari-X11 & Vari-X111 of twenty years ago there is no comparison. I really noticed it when I shot rifles fitted with my VX-1 2-7x33 and Vari-X11 2-7x33 recently, the newer version leaves the older version for dead in every way.

The NEWEST is the VX-Freedoms and the VX-3i
These are the 1" tube series
The 30mm series is much more money and serious HD glass..

Do the new VX-1s have clicks on the turrents or are they still friction?

Clicks.

I believe the older Vari X series are more durable, that is where Leupold made there name. I do believe the new glass is better and coatings.better also. People are buying older scopes up because price and durability. IMHO. I love Leupolds, every rifle of mine has one.. Full warranty for life on scope.. I believe the LPS models have the best glass, glass was made by Leica to try and take over scope market. Engineers shared no expense when developing this scope. Built like a tank and super glass. Good shooting

15 or so 4X and 6X M8’s here.

I still use my Leupold Plainsman 2.5 fixed on a lever gun. No issues, but Leupold said I could send in for cleaning if I wished.

Send it in. They will try to replace it with a new cheaper freedom line one. They won't give your old one back..