I've pretty much been in the same debate with myself all year. As a flat lander, I take about 5 trips a year out west. As a result, when I go I really want to just ride. I had a stock alpha this year which I got about 500-600 miles on. I can tell you without a doubt, you will be happy with a stock alpha. They are phenomenal machines. I wouldn't hesitate to upgrade to one.
With that being said, I just recently purchased a silber turbo for my sled. Sounds like they had a few issues earlier in the year with mapping but its better now. Also, sounds like the clutching from cycles and sleds in Utah is a huge upgrade as well (that's what I'm going with). Quite a few guys in our group have been running turbos for several years now with very few issues. For most of them it is pull the rope and go. There are always things here and there. I don't need a turbo on the alpha, I just thing it will be an absolute blast. I won't argue that the turbo can decrease the reliability, because I know it can. However, many of the guys in our group that have ran them and have had issues couldn't even blame the turbo. It was usually a issue with the sled, and the turbo is easy to blame when your having a problem.
For myself, upgrading to the alpha for a year and riding it stock was a good move. It took my a while to adjust to the alpha and how to ride it. Adding all that power might have hindered me personally from the start. However, I am stoked to be running some boost next year!