Lawn -
I agree with you.
There is something very classy about a well set up traditional high end table. They were top of the line performance in their day and long after, and can still be set up to play as well as anything (from what i understand). However, most people, and dare i risk saying it, even many table techs aren't prepared for the time and effort ($$$) to work over 80 or 90 years of gradual decline and neglect & bring it up to a level a competitive player wants to see. They look great in a home room, too - but even the cabinetwork to make one regain some of its original elegance is time consuming for many ($$$ if hired out).
I'm moving along restoring my wife's 1926 BBC Royal, so am sympathetic. But am avoiding doing too much tallying of time. It would get depressing.
smt