As far as how the rep stands up to the gen article:
Good, modded reps, like my 010D are >this< close when compared with the gen in most aspects. You really have to pick nits to find minute flaws with the dial, small inaccuracies in the case that no one will ever notice on your wrist, the not quite 100% perfect CGs, etc.
For 10% of the price, it has 90%+ of the feel of the gen, IMO. I mean, just compare Taiji's pics of his DSN 114 to my gen! Frighteningly accurate, if you ask me.
However, the problem with this hobby is that when you find a brand that you truly love, nothing short of the gen will suffice.