I have 3 bikes , one is rideable, the modern , my 22 yr old MF has a cracked frame, the E3 is a growing pile of bits and the Stumpy just works, great to ride, handles well takes the shock out of the front so I can ride all day and I love it, it goes out regularly on retrobike rides and my local guys don't scowl at it too much (cheers chaps), my big concern is when I finally finish the Orange will I enjoy riding it.
At the end of the day a high end modern will be light as a high end retro is light whereas just as it was BITD the lower down the range you get the more the pounds add up.
It's all about going out for a ride with a group of mates and enjoying yourselves, yes we oggle each others bikes but it's not the be all and end all, what's the point of having a bike and not enjoying riding it be it retro or modern, it's a bike and its only purpose for existing is to be ridden.
Matthew