As far as people voting with their feet, it's a very popular system.
I personally feel that the BeoLab 3s are the best value for the money in the entire lineup (maybe the 5s, but at $20k we're not really concerned with money!). They are extremely elegant and produce a sound that has never been done justice in a Bang & Olufsen shop. I can't speak for all dealers, but in the US, in-home auditions are fairly standard. This would be a way to hear what they can really do.
As for the BeoSound 4, this is another audio system whose display in the shop generally doesn't do it any favors. The first time I saw one was actually in my house. One of my colleagues brought it by for a look and I was totally struck with it. However, in the shop, the amount of lights thrown on it make it much less elegant. Basically in normal lighting, you only see the white LED readout, and none of the other sensors and machinery under the black glass. It's large display also makes it an ideal digital music system when you pair it with BeoPort.
I would also recommend a BeoSound 3. For my clients who actively use the SD card, it's like a portable link room. When you think of it this way, it makes a lot of sense to have one around the house.
Overall I think this is a very versatile and elegant setup and you should really enjoy the performance of the BeoLab 3s!
There is scarcely anything in this world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little more cheaply. The person who buys on price alone is this man's lawful prey. - John Ruskin