The real problem, is that a virtual machine running under a Type 2 hypervisor (aka Workstation) is inherently tied to the hardware it runs on.  Since Workstation is commercial software (available free or to anyone with $199 to spend) it will be used on any-and-all kinds of hardware.  Since there are so many kinds of PCs and since common operating systems (Windows, Linux etc) are constantly evolving, there is no way VMware will ever make it work in all cases.  There will always be more questions than answers.

In the "industrial" use cases, VMware products are only guaranteed/supported if used on approved hardware platforms.  In that kind of environment, VMware stands a chance of making their product work well.

So far, VM Workstation is better than other VM solutions I've tried.  I don't put too much stress on the product and I understand it's limitations.   I only use VMs because I'm sick/tired of how OS's and commercial software eventually devolve into the back hole of "Software Entropy".   I like being able to make copies of a well working system.  This has helped me many times and is worth the $199 and frustration that goes along with it.

But yeah, if VMware is going to make a "lightweight" product that people pay for, they should at least provide some paid (albeit "lightweight") support.

Ray