It's difficult to say. I have 4 steel bikes, three of which are variants of 531, (one is 531c, and two are 531db) the other being Columbus SLX.

As to how they ride, I think geometry has a big effect. One of my 531s rides the same as my 531c because the geometry is much the same, my Flying Scot feels a bit livelier, but that may be psychological! , and the geometry of the Columbus bike is much more race orientated so rides much differently. However, it also feels more "direct" which might be due to it being more torsion resisitant (I think)

I love Italian stuff because it looks so stylish, but the paint on my Cinelli is nowhere near as good as my British (or Scottish!) bikes.

I love Campag because of the history and the fact it has design flourishes that Shimano doesn't (a Campag rear mech is beautifully shaped), but my favourite ever mech was a Huret Duopar, which I wore out after 20 odd years. On my tourer I have Stronglight cranks, variations of which I have used for years and my wife has TA, which are just stunning.

I've used Suntour and liked it, I have Shimano on my hybrid and it works fine, but doesn't look that great (though Dura Ace does).

I think(like anything else) you should just collect what you like and ignore value.