I'm not trying to strike up an argument, but it seems you are set in your ways which is fine. But objectivity is a great thing to have when dealing with ideals/ideas different from ourselves. The terms you use "plastic fantastic" just points to someone who grew up in an era and hasn't left it (and I'm not trying to be rude or demeaning here, I can be the same way with electronic technology and how people are so tied to needing it these days). The younger generation (and I'm closer to them then you most likely) could point to your beautiful walnut and steel and wonder why even bother with taking a 2x4 and whittling it down to a stock and attaching a barrel that will rust if left in the rain?
There's somewhere in between, and it's objectivity when it comes to technological advances.
Polymers ("plastic fantastic") have revolutionized firearms to a degree (I've seen lots of cracked frames on "old iron", bet that doesn't happen as often with polymer framed handguns and if it does it usually is an easy replacement), that doesn't mean old iron doesn't have it's place. And, I do have an affinity towards classic firearms but I think like @cheygriz points out, this debate happens every generation shift.
As "The Duke" said, "times change and a man's got to change with them."
Russellc