For sheer beauty and pride of ownership I love the deep polished blue and walnut. The guns being made today are more utilitarian, reliable and durable tools and have their place. Part of the reason for the shift IMO is that the majority of people are unwilling to pay the price that an "old school" gun will cost. Some are still available but at a price point out of the reach of some folks. I'm old enough to remember that people were unhappy with S&W under lear seigler and Colt 1911's needing work to be reliable with JHP rounds back in the 70's. The past wasn't always as we remember it.