I tried a Vargo and didn't like it. The fact that the container is not sealed around the edges makes it noticably less efficient. The sealed edges on the Photon (or other pressurized stoves design) forces the alcohol vapor out the jets under high pressure. It really roars once it's primed, and the Vargo just whimpered for me.

A filled Vargo is also 1oz or more of alcohol, so it's doing less with more.

If you want to make a Photon stove, a Dremel tool with a .022 or .025 inch bit (15 cents at a hobby shop) makes all the difference between "That was easy," and a desire to stomp the can flat.