OP, like you I'm learning about the bikes. I've had my "steel is real" realizations. One regards ruggedness, when I appreciated the Cinelli MB I'd bought as a kickaround last winter was a bike I can ride off curbs and off road and whatever and not worry about. I overload it with groceries and hit things and couldn't care less. As far as the "cork sniffer" aspects I finally got that with the Stowe I bought last year. Columbus SLX, lugs, all hand-made with tubular tires. It has a nice, springy feel without being wishy-washy. It has a really lovely feel to it. Really unique. Jazzed about that bike I bought a Pashley, also lugged, with Reynolds tubing and drum brakes and a Brooks saddle. Lots of character but not tooo heavy. Steel is wonderful, and it lends itself to the aesthetics I'm really drawn to. A lot of it has to do with that look, thinner tubing and lugs with a nice paint job.