Who said anything about a 6 speed freewheel, downtube shifters, or 27" wheels? I have 2 frames more than 25 years old that are equipped with modern components making for top notch machines... both with 700c wheels and 10 speed integrated shifting.

The only reason someone might say that there are good deals to be had on those sites is for their own benefit? You can't think of any other motivation, huh? If I had a firm budget of $1,000 I definitely would be checking those sites so I could get the most bang for my buck, especially if I was considering steel as the OP obviously is.