Sounds good. My brother is an originalist, but I'm more of a modern guy. I have an old Cannondale 2.8 frame that he built up for me in the late 90s, and it has 8 speed 105. I've threatened a few times to upgrade it, possibly using the SRAM setup with wireless shifting and rim brakes. I think it would disappoint him. Of course, it would require new wheels as well.
But as a practical matter, those 8 speed parts aren't going to last forever, either. I think the rear derailleur spring that holds the chain in tension is a bit tired already, for example. And it's not like I can buy a new 105 8 speed derailleur; I can get a used one but that's just as old. (I use the bike on a smart trainer on Zwift. What I really should do is upgrade to one of the trainers that doesn't require physically shifting.)
I am an original owner of RB-1 of the same year. I got it running again about 5 years ago and it has been my primary bike ever since. My take on original parts: I am too old for the original gearing, so it is now an 10 speed with new Velo Orange crankset. The original brake levers are terrible on long rides so I upgraded to modern levers. Finally, dual pivot breaks are way easier to setup. I was able to find 10 speed down tube shifters, so there is that.
I appreciate you sharing your perspective. I’m largely committed to upgrading to 11s now, but can I ask did 10s require spreading or cold-setting the rear dropout spacing?