At our age why does anyone take the stuff that some say or type so literally or let it bother them? I stay out of any forum that I know will be a problem as far as expecting you to adhere to some fashion or mechanical dictate. Ride the bike you enjoy using and that suits your wants and needs. Wear what you want to wear when you cycle, you are not in high school trying to impress anyone in to a date or to mark your territory. Want to keep the spoke protector (my R500 still has its spoke protector, so what) than keep it, like the convenience a kick stand gives you, use it (I don't because I don't want any stays bent from one or by some idiot sitting on my bike with one down,) it is your bike and you paid for it, Ride it as you see fit. Your last sentence says things better anyway.

You have 2 very nice looking Raleighs there, I would be proud to ride one of them and I am sure you are. Ride Lots and Ride Safe.

Bill