Any fool with a 2X4, a string and a ruler can cold set a frame. I spread my Gitane from 120 to 126 the other day and it took all of five minutes. It would have taken less time if I was working with a bare frame. It wasn't the first frame I've cold set. The first one took about ten minutes. You have to get a feel for how hard to push.

I kind of like seven speeds. The cassetes last longer because they're thicker. The rear wheel is stronger because it has less dish. I haven't had any trouble finding parts cheap. Most people consider seven speed stuff obsolete and shops are glad to get rid of it. I've got two seven speed bikes, one nine, two five and one one.