That's what I hear too.. but Im not sure there actually are much difference. I have tried EWQL and have Kontakt 4, which have VSL strings, and they suit my needs just fine (Im just using them for Nashville/Pop sound, not really doing orchestral tracks), but Im not sure which is better. The full VSL libraries are way more comprehensive than the ones in Kontakt, though.. and I have really no experience with the particular ones you mention.

Either way, I think good string sounds are very much achieved by mixing with volume/velocity automation as well as tweaking EQ and lots of reverb. I've read a lot of places that the real thing can be quite dissapointing, in terms of volume and impact, when they replace the mock-up, as the sampled orchestras use the unreal to impress..

The VSL libraries might be better as clean samples (EWQL seem to depend a lot on processing to achieve a good sound), and that would give you more control, I think. Which is a good thing, as long as you're willing to spend more time on tweaking.. but I doubt they sound better out of the box, as the "Hollywood" sound is a very processed string sound.

There's been much rave about EW's new release http://www.soundsonline.com/hollywood-strings .. but I have no first hand experience, as they are kinda pricy..