I think Vne is very badly understood by most pilots, and is based on numerous things, including engine power as it is based upon True airspeed (i.e. the speed of the air molecules over the surfaces, not the volume) - So if you decide to replace your Vans O320 engine with a TO540 engine, you could well achieve above Vne at altitude despite being below Vne on the ASI - because when the aeroplane was first certified the numbers on the dial were calculated so that Vne could never be reached in normal operations. In other words engine power self limited Vne..
Vne scares me more because it was determined in a nice new aeroplane. A bit of slop in the hinges and if the flutter starts your aeroplane could destroy itself in seconds. One can manage G to some extent.
Personally I'd never spin a C152 which is 40 years old. I'd rather be in a CAP10 with a aero's FI sat beside me.