Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 19,320
Likes: 5,428
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: Stewart S&S coupled sport tourer, Stewart Sunday light, Stewart Commuting, Stewart Touring, Co Motion Tandem, Stewart 3-Spd, Stewart Track, Fuji Finest, Mongoose Tomac ATB, GT Bravado ATB, JCP Folder, Stewart 650B ATB
Pretty much my first priority with an old bikes spokes are how easily do the nipples turn. The surface finish of the non threaded portion of the spokes (the vast majority of the spoke) isn't a concern.
I'll rarely reuse old spokes. The older they are the less likely I'll reuse them. Life is too short to be hassled by sticky nipples and fatigued spokes.
Elbow grease and steel wool, polishing compound or just live with the look. Andy