I can guarantee you that my Tange OS Paramount will never ride as sublimely as the Trek. With supple tires, it can ride nicely. And my personal feeling is that some tubesets are nicer than others. But nonetheless, I think I can make the Ironman feel better, with a couple more adjustments. I do not believe it will ever be the equal of the Trek. I have a 1980 Trek 414 on the stand, awaiting a front wheel. Ishiwata 022, and different geometry. Vamos a ver.
I agree with RiddleOfSteel about the baseline comparisons, and I will set about doing that on my six bikes.
I believe I will come out looking like a diehard, but I'm willing to give it a go.