I've been shooting S&Ws for half a century. Sure, I love the oldies, but the best S&W I've ever owned--for its purpose--is the new Pro Series 637-2 PowerPort; it's accurate, light weight yet light recoiling with Hornady CD +Ps (and a pair of Pachs), very concealable, rust resistant, windage adjustable, and has a sweet out of the box DA and SA. Which oldie can match that?
Couldn't care less about the IL because I didn't buy it to make love to it; kinda like a pretty girl with a freckle I knew in high school, or having to eat fried okra because my wife's a southerner. Even the rabbit under the shed won't eat it ;-), but I'll take that trade-off anytime. And don't tell me that MIM parts can't produce a slick action, especially not in a J-Frame; that's a crock.
The new Model 63 three-inch is also the best rimfire I've ever owned--for its purpose as a handy, tough, accurate, rust resistant, eight-shot, camp/fun/working .22. The old 63s, as good looking as they are, can't match that. (But, in truth, my 1968 Model 35 six-inch is still tops as a trail .22, even though it's susceptible to scratching and rusting if abused and probably won't stand up to a steady diet of Stingers like the new 63 will. Another trade- off.)
So when they bitch away at the new stuff, I kinda enjoy it and just smile because it's good to see their passion for S&W. From time to time you can't help but get a new perspective and learn a lot, too.
Welcome to the Forum, Ross.