I don't consider myself one of those guys but I believe a true restorer is a guy that restores the parts that are on the car if at all possible rather than paying $1700 for an NOS part that is probably different than what came on the car anyway.
So I get where you are coming from on that point for sure. Some guys are in it for their ego's nothing else, myself I just love these cars whether anyone else does or not is of no consequence.
Although modified cars are not my first choice what will impress me with a modified car (or not) is the workmanship and execution.

Sheldon