Currently riding a 1984 Olympian with 10-speed Tiagra and I like it a lot. Huge headaches in getting it all to work (brakes, bars, seatpost, seat, entire drivetrain incl shifters, headset) but a $35 garage sale find is now my daily ride. I could trim some weight with some wheels but I don't see where saving a pound will make a huge difference in ride enjoyment, and I don't do Strava ...
So yes .... i could have bought a bike as good for what it cost (particularly if I add in time, energy, and frustration) but I don't regret it.
It's true. People knew how to build bikes even as far back as 30 years ago. Crazy, isn't it?