RamBOBs,
I think all of these are quite accurate recollections. Our little family peloton (admittedly, a kind of 'embarrassment of riches') includes a RAM acquired in '04, a SAM circa '11, and most recently an NOS 650b DOG (Saluki) that chased us down and just wouldn't let us get away. Each what might be called 'classic' road bike. No stretched out chainstays or swoopy tubes, just delightful, well-mannered, well-proportioned, comfortable, artful road machines.
The most recent addition—Saluki—to these old eyes, cannot be distinguished from any of the finest bespoke art bikes we all spend hours admiring on our computers. Every detail is refined and well thought out. Quite amazing. We just replaced old no-named rubber with 38mm Pari Motos and must admit that the 650b fairy dust seems real even if it makes no mechanical sense. Whatever—it feels fast and comfortable and is truly a handsome creature.
I guess you could call GP and have him build one for you, but we most definitely pine for the days we could just wander into our favorite bike shop, grab one of these triangles off a hook and take it home. Instant gratification baby!
Jock Dewey