For what do you need a VA for, then? You can do those things without one. The idea of a VA, from my perspective, is to operate an airline like it does in the real world. Every airline has certain procedures and routes. And every airline has a selection of certain aircraft in a fleet. If you join a VA, there are rules and regulations, like every airline has in the real world also.
If you're not into rules and policies, then it is indeed better to fly independent. You still get to use ATC, and whatever airframe or airline you wish. If you need a VA for statistics, get the FSpassengers X. You get some onboard announcements and cabin sounds too. ☺ï¸ðŸ‘