I just "discovered" velo-orange myself. Even better, they're sort of local.
I've heard the same about Rivendell. I think a lot of it is based on the visceral hate many technogeek bikers have of Grant Peterson, the original retro-grouch. I was an active mountain biker and consumer of bike magazines when Bridgestone imploded in the US. I remember clearly his struggles with Shimano while building bikes that were based on solid technology and not fads, etc. I like the fact that he actually stresses RIDING your bike and not "compenting", or "fitness", or "extreme sports".
Some of their stuff is overpriced, some isn't. The bikes are the most overpriced part of the company, but they are nice bikes. You're not going to find a new production lugged steel frame for much less than a grand, certainly not one as nice as the Rivs.
Chris