I think there is a mix of new and old on the internet websites.

I have friction shifters because they're what my bike came with, and what I have.

Most new "high-end" bikes are coming out with "brifters", and that seems to be the expected standard. Hopefully I'll get some setup soon.

Newer isn't always better. On another website, there was a discussion about how long cable housings should last. My thoughts was somewhere around 30 years or so. But, apparently the newer, more expensive housings are wearing out in less than a year. I suppose that is progress if one lives in a disposable world. Many of the new parts are lighter because they are half plastic. I just have to wonder.

The only problem I have ever had with my downtube shifters is too much drilling weakened them. I put on stock levers (somehow managing to get two lefts, and no rights), and they have worked fine ever since. How many of the brifters will still be functional after 30 to 40 years?