Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,225
Likes: 6,484
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
The first paragraph frames one question, and the second paragraph frames an entirely different question. I think you are implying that they are the same, but they're not.
As for your first question, it's a matter of opinion, based on what you want and need. My guess is that somewhere, the point of diminishing returns is between $500 and $1000, but just for me. It's elsewhere for other people.
It would be hard to find an equivalent bike to yours, because yours is well made but modern components function better because of the features and designs.