Components have also moved on significantly - your Shimano Dura Ace of 12 years ago is not as good as today's 105. Wheels haven't so much, but the problem will be that non-10 speed gears will be more difficult to get hold of. Carbon forks on modern tandems also make a big difference (Not that the Dale has them).
I call shenanigans on that. As a rider of 25 year old campy gear, as well as 10-15 year old shimano gear. The modern stuff is different' but not clearly better in any way. In fact the finish and durability has dropped dramatically. 3000 miles for a chain, please... If you like the "no user serviceable parts" mentality of Shimano brifters then enjoy them, but I for one don't think that newer is necessarily better.
Sheldon