Charles, you have a very good sense of reason and I like that in a person that rides. There is no doubt about it that Richard is in every sense of the word an equal against any frame builder out there, past or present.
Many years ago a acquaintance and I had a discussion on different frames and he was a Paramount nut. He made the statement the a Paramount is the best frame made and then to add fuel to the fire stated that he thought it was the only frame made worthy of putting Campagnolo equipment on. Having owned several Paramounts in my early years I found them to be great bikes and my choice, at the time, for a track bike. Let there be no doubt that they are mighty fine bikes, but NOT the best made. And I dont think there is any Best bike made. Different strokes for different folks, and that is the appeal of the different builders. They give their own touch of individuality to their sculptures.
As far as not riding the bike. I dont believe I would buy a bike I wouldnt ride. If I thought about how much I paid for it and that kept me from riding it then I dont believe I could have really afforded the bike in the first place, if that makes sense. I own a very rare Italian beauty that no one that has seen before. It is #23 of approximately 500 made. Yet, it is my choice of bikes to ride and I love it. At some point when it gets scratched enough Ill send it out to Jim for new paint and decals and start over again. If I crash it or it gets stolen, I guess I will have to remember the good years I had with it. AND then get another bike to ride.
In closing, I do hope the new owner of the Confente does plan on riding it, at least once in awhile, 'cause that is what it was made for.
Mark, there isnt a bike I wouldnt ride, Poore well maybe a Huffy