I find these Schwinn threads fascinating as they (Schwinn's) were not a "thing" up here on the west coast. Raleighs and various Murray types dominate and the nostalgic link is often something to do with the Fred Deeley group.

I agree the thread seems to lack umpff and smacks of bitter nostalgia. If the OP wants an old Schwinn just go out and buy one. life is too short to complain about something you don't have when it is so easily within your ability to grasp. That's the great thing about bicycles as a hobby.

About a month ago I said to myself: Self, I'd like a bike with good vintage decals to do a classic FG restoration on. A month later I found a well preserved barn stored Raleigh for $80. You just have to look.