Is the life of a VP at a 'top-bank' really good?

Lets compare experiences pls for top BBs/EBs to have a solid frame of reference. 

I always had this inner thought that if you would make it to VP, life would get significantly better. 

If I re-evaluate this now and look at peers who are in VP seats at top BBs (e.g., GS/MS) I don't really think they are having a good lifestyle. 

I think this forum heavily skews to interns/analysts who paint the VP lifestyle as overly rosy, but just because someone is not sitting at the desk until 2 AM actively working on a model, does not mean the person is at home chilling and relaxing. 

What I observe: 

• Pressure is really high; they hold the 'pen' on execution and are first in line to be screamed at/catch heat from seniors. I think especially analysts underestimate - while working long hours suck - how much ease of mind it brings to just be a cookie-cutter and work through a checklist to create a work product
• Things outside their control; relates to latter part of bullet above. There is no dopamine hit anymore for just cranking out a clean looking model or some nice looking slides. There is so much more stuff to handle (i.e., client relationships, process management) that is less tangible and requires a lot of thinking/contemplating often dragging into the private life
• Still in the weeds; From my sample at top banks, the hours are still horrendous. I never understood how people here said that VP work is like 9-8pm with a little weekend work. Most of my friends still basically are on around the clock. Especially weekends are super hard to actually do something that takes more time then going for dinner or coffee (i.e., whole sunday hiking/event/trip). I was at Oktoberfest last year with a colleauge from GS and he had to leave around 5pm on Saturday to work, I mean wtf