Well, I'll toss in....

I think there are at least 2 streams of thought about vintage bikes. One sort of view likes to keep things historically accurate. Another sort of view likes the classic aesthetic but will reinterpret the classic. In terms of cars, this is the difference between a 1964 Mustang that is A-1 all original with matching VINs on the body and block and still original paint and a 1964 Mustang that has been turned into a hot rod. Both collectors love 1964s but for different reasons.

I think the problems come when these 2 views start getting intertwined and confused.

It's silly to suggest to folks with a love of vintage stuff to get out and ride more. That is so missing the point for some of us. But on the other hand, its just as silly to try to defend the technical merits of some of the old technologies as being on par with or better than current technologies.

I have and regularly ride a bike with 6-speed friction shift. I rode across country on a bike with 6-speed gearing and a half-step/granny set up. But the first thing I did when I got my hands on Trek 1979 510 was have the frame spread for 130mm spacing for a modern 8-speed drive train.

Now look, if people love 5 speed friction shifting and it makes them happy, that's just awsome. And I really, truely mean that. Same goes for wooden skis (I own a pair and love skiing them). But to say its as good or better than modern drive trains.... naw.