This arguement gets beat to death up here with two camps one for the IL and one that hates them. To me it's quite simple as there are still lots of revolvers for sale pre lock and new ones with the lock. So whatever side floats your boat on the issue then buy the S&W Models that you like as there really is no right or wrong answer.

I like pre lock and mostly own P&R S&W revolvers because that's what floats my boat and where I spend my money but I don't think mine are better then yours with the lock or vice versa.