HVX used in the right way can look as good as any full production HD camera out there. Its all about who's hands it is in, I have one and I know that I am not using it to anywhere near its potential. So I'm gonna have to disagree with you on the cheap look as a general statement about the HVX, or else why would most music videos on MTV these days be shot with the HVX, or that movie that just came out in theaters, Cloverfield, shot a good part on the HVX. A ton of people get cameras that are way out of there league, therefore they put out stuff that doesnt look as good, I've seen footage off of canon's handheld HD cam, the HV20, that could rival what most people get on $20,000+ HD cameras. I guess its all about what look the filmer is going for and if he knows how to achieve it.
Berman has always shot sony HD, just switched to the EX1, Fatman shoots the FX-1 I believe, Rage along with Poorboyz and Field all shoot with the HVX, maybe not exclusively but atleast in part. Once again, its not the camera, its how well its used.