I have a few old frames that I have considered building up as period-correct-ish road/sport or touring bikes, but I am concerned that the freewheel axles will bend or break. When I was a teenager and svelt and fast, I bent many an axle on a lightweight racing bike. I can read arguments about steel vs. carbon, or 26" vs 650B vs 700C for days, but anyone saying freewheels are superior to freehubs is ignorant and will be blocked.
If my aluminum touring frame or fork gives up before we start our tour next summer then I may just swap the parts over to one of those old frames.