I ride a Cannondale Evo Team on the road. Tough to get more modern than that. I like to tinker with the MTBs and look forward to getting them out on the trail. But I don't rule out a full suspension bike one day. And in my opinion, from experience, retro suspension stinks.
embrace what you have, riding the bike is the real important part of the equation!.....sorry to hear of your loss, you will return to retro when the time is right!...we will all still be here doing our stuff!...
Merlin Titanium (should be) incoming - tentative thread opening