Robert,
 
Back when the likes of Glaceverb came out, it was grainy, slapback, but about as good as it got without spending hi dollars for something a little bit more credible.  Reverb (like overdrive now) was the hardest effect to crack. Programs now are way better, professional and free as water.
 
One technique we used that may still benefit even if not needed anymore. Each reverb vst scatters the reflections as best possible to avoid artificial slapback. Used to be a big issue. Takes some forward thinking, downsize adjustments on the settings and level for each unit in the chain. Running one reverb into another reverb scatters the reflections of the reflections, compounded enough to come up with a smooth and credible reverb almost no matter what you are using.
 
Freeverb 2 open source for stereo convolution with a feast of free impulse libraries for the taking. Myriad of analog units free and excellent. I got all or a lot of the big guns, but can as of recent achieve the same level of coolness with proper application of the freeware offerings available for the download bandwidth.
 
Exciting times.
 
John