I would never use simplicity and GoPro in the same sentence. At last the model I played with a while back had an absolutely terrible user interface which made it really hard to sure it was on if it was mounted on a helmet.
I guess this isn't all "ease of use" stuff, but I do think it's all more generally usability:
- The Virb XE has a much easier to find and actuate record switch (physical moving switch); the position of the switch will tell you if you're recording or not if you can't see the camera.
- The Virb XE waterproofing isn't compromized by connecting it to power; the GoPro battery door has to be removed/opened to connect to power.
- The GoPro won't let you connect a bluetooth headset/microphone, so you can't connect a mic and keep waterproofing.