One thing I've noticed is that modern programming just doesn't look as good on B&W sets. Today they use graphics and backgrounds with subtle color changes that just don't look good in B&W. To me, vintage sets look best with vintage programs.

Another thing to remember is that in the 40's and at least early 50's you were lucky to get a decent signal. The charm of getting a picture from far off places was still in effect and people tolerated a lot less in picture quality. Even TV stations didn't always transmit a sharp, well focused picture.

Something else, Bob Andersen talks in some of his videos about the change in bandwidth and the use of the luminance signal for monochrome sets when NTSC color came in. It would be interesting to see him chime in on this discussion. I will say from watching his videos that he gets some really nice looking pictures on his early Admirals.