@conv3rt: Yes thats what made me purchase the Manitou fork. The sexy machined crown. I then picked up a four inch travel Marz Z 1 . four inches of buttery smoothness. I dont find modern forks to be as plush either.
@Sshredder: probably because they used to have half a litre of oil in them! haha. I've got my forks set up plenty plush. No lack of performance from modern stuff. I have no nostalgia for older gear other than the great memories I created. Otherwise bring on the new tech!