I remember and understand the Campagnolo snobbery, as well as the anti Campagnolo snobbery. I started off with the latter, until I destroyed most of a gruppo of Dura Ace EX, just with mileage (lots). After that I began to appreciate the hardiness -- and serviceability -- of campy stuff. Back in the 80s it was expensive, but still fairly priced. My own feeling on it is that the company died with Tullio. The new stuff might be fine, but it's just a name.

Anyhow, IME the Simplex Criteriums shift about the same as Nuovo Record, better than early Dura Ace, and not as good as Suntour cyclone/superbe. Chain and freewheel probably make about as much difference as the derailleurs. Good set up is important also.

Superbe used to sell for about the same price as Campy, IIRC, and service parts were harder to come by.