How hard (moreso costly) is it to put a modern drivetrain on a vintage mtb?

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On a serious note I too want you to find something that works for you. I know what it is like to think this is exactly how i want my bike to be set up and I have sunk good money into projects which were a success but with hindsight I could have done it more economically. I feel like it is pretty clear that a full bike with the right components, to not have to do any major adjustments is the key. There's many ways to get into the hobby and none of them are wrong. But you're doing very intense mental gymnastics about something rather marginal and easily attainable.
 
On road or off road? You say gravel, so I found one or two fulfilling your criteria then noted you don't like going to cities.

How about giving your broad location, to see if anyone can help?
 
Have only scanned the thread so may have missed something but...

Microshift 11 speed mini group £90. https://sportandleisure.com/products/microshift-xle-x-shimano-11-speed-drivetrain-groupset-11-42t?

Leaves £310 of a £400 budget to find a bike with (or upgrade to) an 8+ speed HG freehub.

I'd look for a bike with (or again, upgrade to) 104bcd cranks that you put a cheaply and readily available narrow wide chainring onto.

I see chat about 22t chainrings but with a 42t at the back you do not need that size of ring. I don't think I could maintain the cadence required to keep a bike upright with 22:42 gearing for very long and you'll find the limits of grip long before you run out of gearing even with something a 32t ring.
 
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