One might think that most C&V are only looking for a particular bikes that they perceive to be "high end" but I guess I march to a different drummer.
Sometimes a project finds me and sometimes I go looking for them. Now that I no longer try to save them all, I look at what might I use it for and does it please my eye. It should work well for its intended purpose but it won't matter if it has claws or stem shifters et al.

A current project is a Japanese department store brand from 1976 that I find really pretty. It has sparkly blue paint and a shiny dork disk. It will be a "shiny around town" bike to ride with my wife when she uses her shiny new "Dutchie".

Another project that has been ongoing is a 76 Raleigh Record Mixte that will be a custom bike with all kinds of Raleigh parts left kicking around. The frame has been properly painted and will not have decals applied, only the headbadge will proclaim "Raleigh". Who knows when I will finish that one.

There are currently three old mountain bikes in my shed. One of them will become my "mountain bike" someday as I sold my beloved Raleigh Portage to a friend this spring.

None of the numerous bikes I have rebuilt and sold or passed along cost more than $75 to purchase, but they were all a lot of fun.

Good luck with all your future projects.