@lewm
My position is that the newer and top range decks are better, but not massively, each step up is only very small, because the the original was so good in the first place.
Arms/Cartridges and accurate set up will have more impact and if you modify an older deck, upgrading bearing and platter it can compete with the top models anyway.
Cogging does not effect the sound in any meaningful way. Speed stability is what counts and this is VERY good on all models. It's easily measured and is at similar levels across all models. Cogging effects torque and it is difficult to see how fluctuating torque has any audible effect.18 changes in torque per revolution is a fact, but what effect, that has on performance has always been the question. (18 is from memory).
As has been pointed out we've drifting off track from what was asked by the OP.
I think the front end is the weakest link, followed by the speakers (in that environment) Views which haven't changed.