Thanks for the further information (much of which you also gave me in the other thread).
I was under the impression the frame (not the components, which are, I agree, junk) was in original condition aside from being a bit decrepit; so if that was not the case, then that changes things. So I agree, once a frame has been modified, or damaged to the point that major surgery is required, then whatever value that accrues from "originality" has already been lost. The frame becomes a blank canvas, from which you can create what you think it was originally, or whatever you want.
Thanks for indulging me this (totally unnecessary) debate! I will now look on your project a bit more cheerfully
Did you see my note:-
By the way, I see you are in New Jersey, my wife lived in North Brunswick for many years and we still have friends there. Do you know 'Tastee Sub' Sub Shop my friend Dave Thornton (recently deceased) owned it, his father started the business. We have good friends there, my wife grew up in Rockaway, Queens. We lived in Crested Butte for 20 years, loved mountain biking and Skiing there, we now have a home in Southport NC but I live 6 months/year in UK.