Lotus, you got me on the Zep reference ;-)
I had a friend who attended the show.......says they haven't lost a thing.
As far as appealing to the younger crowd, I'm behind you by 10 years, so I don't know if I'm authorized to represent them anymore......I found it weird when people referred to my '69 as a classic....same year I was born (another neat aspect about the 69 project..........my bike and I are the same age).
I do think there is something to the modern RE's in terms of quality and reliability. I'll be taking my 07 to Leh in the Himalayas this summer since it's the modern one, disk brake and all, and the 69 will be for cruising.
I know it's not practical for everyone, but I like the combo of a new RE for serious stuff and the 69 for cruising.
I'm also not as good as you guys with mechanics, so new is important to me since I'm not as handy with roadside repairs. I know my limitations