The following link may help you decide. It is a discussion of Variable Ratio Oiler vs Premix oil and fuel.
There are arguments on both sides that you should read.
https://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/7389-oil-injection-premix-outboard.html
This person likes the VRO, but has a list of maintenance requirements to keep it working well. With a 17 year old engine There are a lot of points of failure that need to be considered. If the VRO fails the engine self destructs.
Keep your VRO.
The Trailer Boats Magazine article in Feb 2000 has lots of good tips to keep your VRO running. Here is a short summary:
Sediment and/or water can build up on the bottom of the oil tank. Draw a sample from the bottom with a turkey baster and squirt it into a jar. If it lookt like you have water and/or dirt, remove and drain the tank. Clean throughly, replace filter and purge/replace the oil line. This sounds like a good thing to do annually.
Replace clear oil cap with black (#176217)
Inspect all oil lines carefully ! If oil lines are more than a few years old (or are smooth vinyl) replace with 1/4" ID rubber (#333485). Avoid tie wraps and worm gear clamps in favor of OEM rachet clamps (#333654).
Inspect all vaccuum lines carefully !! If more than a few years old, replace them.
Inspect all fuel lines carefully !! Clogged filters, anti-siphon valves, kinked lines will cause problems.
Install blue pulse limiter (#435009) to protect VRO from backfires.
Don't run carbs dry as you will suck in too much oil !
There are lots more tips that are model year specific, so go to your local library.
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