Decades ago, I always lusted after the Gold Cup. However, I always ended up with a revolver when it came time to actually buy something. A friend bought a Gold Cup, and it needed work. Then there were the various articles about sites coming off, durability, etc. This was all in the 70's and 80's.
In the 90's, I got to qualify and carry a 1911 for a bit and came to appreciate the platform a little more, although our aged examples had a lot of problems. I'm now a 9mm guy, don't care about caliber wars, and love my old BHP and Glock 17L (six-inch, lighter trigger).
But recently, I got to fondle a newer Gold Cup National Match .45 at a store. Just like the old one, but with better sights, and an excellent trigger. Cheaper than the models with various race-gun features. I have to admit, it was tempting, just because of my old infatuation!
Great to see you back, Phil. I hope you can get out and shoot that old classic sometimes, just for fun!