Is it all worth it?

Mapman, I suspect that you are experiencing nostalgia. Everyone does from time to time. 

+1 Chayro ! The High End audio direction towards  "hyper" detail and "ultra" resolution does seem to pull one's attention from music and instead an intense focus or obsession with the sound. There is the potential for eventual frustration and even disillusionment. I understand however each of us have our own objective/goals regarding audio systems. 
Charles, 

I too did a refoam on a pair of a40's about ten years ago. Before the refoam, I had the speakers for about 30 years.  So, how do a pair of 40 year old speakers sound? Not great.  Driver technology has come a long way in the past 40 years, producing sound that is 'more lively', with the bass extension firmer.  Also to be remembered is that your own hearing ability changes, so what you heard 40 years ago, you cannot hear today.  So much for 'speaker memory'.  If you are not changing your audio system every ten years or so, you are not growing your audio experience. My first speaker, 60 years ago was a Tannoy, my current lust is for a pair of Tannoy F8's.  Soon, very soon.

Spot on, mapman. Reminds me of one of my favorite marketing taglines of all time. From Infinity, circa 1980's, when Arnie Nudell was at the helm:

“We get you back to what it's all about. Music”.

‘nuff said.

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All that maters is if you like what you hear :-)