No need to explain/defend your preference. Several years ago I picked-up a Colnago while already owning a Trek. After just a few rides I put the Colnago up for sale. The guy who bought it from me knew I owned a Trek and asked why I wasn't selling it instead. The way I put it to him was the Colnago was a lot prettier but the Trek was better in bed. I've owned, ridden, and serviced many different brands/types of bikes and aside from esthetics, the italian ones were never at the top of the list. It's funny, italian bikes with Columbus SL/SLX frames and Campy NR/SR components have a strong "market value" but are a dime a dozen in uniqueness and ingenuity.