I understand what you mean, it is difficult to manage the VERSION variable between multiple scripts and modules in the same distribution. Mainly because it feels like additional busy work. I do view it this way and it helps me focus on why I try to keep the version updated.

1. Updating documentation. I will forget to update the version information in my Pod even though I updated the version for a module. It forces me to think about what I just did and go back and check my Pod for changes, not just blindly update the version everywhere. Especially when the Pod version is 1.01 and the module version 1.11. I have to think "What do I update that makes this application a more current version?"
2. Debugging. I forget to update the version in all my modules in a distribution, I will wonder "where did this file come from? Is old or is part of the current version?" I find it is easier to update the version for all my modules in a distribution rather just update the one file that is used in Build.PL or just using dist_version parameter.