I don't know...if that's the bike he's using every day, it fits the parameters. I've commuted on road bikes and as long as you aren't carrying anything or going over gravel, they're great. My favorite bike for riding through slush/light snow is my Merlin...I'll take that over the Koga Miyata every time because it cuts through better and I don't have to worry about the titanium getting salt water all over it. I also like how maneuverable and responsive road bikes are in traffic...my campy dual pivots stop a light roadbike on a DIME.

I personally don't think there's anything practical about using older bikes with needless weight, inferior brakes, reflectors, inferior pumps and steel rims when there are much better modern alternatives. They might be prettier and fit an aesthetic, but they're no more practical (and I'd argue less practical) than something like the Litespeed.