Some members may call me all wet on this, but here I go:

I do not think that there is a "normal behaviour" in vintage, friction-activated transmissions. They can be eccentric and exhibit different behaviours. And the mix and matching of parts can either enhance or subtract from what you want.

Many people are right fortunate, and they have smooth shifting. Others may have a mixed bag of clitches. I have one bike that runs perfectly on the stand. I have had a professional racing mechanic check it out as perfect. Yet on the road, a cog that should run on the big ring won't run. The selection jumps about from the next bigger cog to the next smaller one depending on the trim. Go figure.

Since I am out for the physical exercise and need some exertion to keep the BP from blowing my brains out, I just live with it. I jump to the small ring and find a similar ratio. It may not be a perfect selection — but I'm out for fun and rec'.

Change up and down the rings, select cogs, then trim. I could arouse the ire of "she who must be obeyed" and buy a modern crotch-rocket in AL/plastic with effortless brifting-shifting, but where would the fun be in that?

Randy's point is right on. And YMMV! But, something suggests to me that you have something out of wack. For one thing, I would check everything that applies to the alignment of your machine — frame, wheel and hub centering, optimum chain-line. A rogue cog is one thing, but a complete pain in the rectum in regards to any selection is not normal.