if you're considering the 168, then get the 268. The 168 is outdated in terms of carbon layup. The 268 is reportedly as stiff as the 177, but it's more recent and accepts wider tyres.
Assuming you can fit yourself on it, obviously. If you have very poor flexibility, like if you can't touch your toes, then you probably ought to buy an endurance frame.
As for long term longevity, i wouldn't ride a VB frame from 5y ago because composites tech used has come a very long way (now stiffer, lighter, better finished inside, cable integration, aero, discs, better ride qualities...). in 3y you'll probably want a new frame anyway. Even though modern carbon fibre frames are, in principle, immortal.

Ok so similar in ant sizes and completely different in most other sizes

I doubt little people like being referred to as ants, but i genuinely didn't know 42 was a bike frame size. Or 45, for that matter.
The tooling cost to have fifty different frame sizes for a single model must be huge, i guess the existence of such small sizes means they plan to target China first.

Finally, I received the pictures from Carol at LC. The paint job looks amazing, and I was promised that they will ship the frame tomorrow. The entire process experienced significant delays compared to the promised lead times, but I hope the wait will be worth it. I will post the final mounted pictures with custom decals (which are yet to be designed).

You will absolutely receive it in time for winter

Ok so similar in ant sizes and completely different in most other sizes

What they are stating is fair. As far as in Europe (and maybe in other countries as well), it's the store who needs to provide warranty cases with the consumer and not the company of the product. So if you claim warranty, you need to contact your seller rather than directly Wheeltop.

well, it is the cheapest way for them to sell..they do not have to cope with any european law!
If a dealership would decided to sell the product would immediately trigger alot of costs for this company, to fulfil the law.
Ce certification, no fake one
ANT+ license has to be paid
The brand has to be registred in europe in several systems, if not it is illegal to sell and the distributor/dealer will be held responsible.
The ce certification is pretty tricky with having involved wireless, batteries charging etc..
all these products must be tested..
We have been trying to persuade ltwoo, but they do not care and sell via aliexpress.
so with all these costs involved we end up having loads of costs to cope with laws....all this with seller on Alixepress selling cheaper than we bought our er9s directly...

so the rather sell without any problems via china.....