Good piece. Since nobody else replied, I'll comment...
I have never had to choose between the 2 paths described (restoring or leaving as is), but here is a somewhat related story that might cheer you up (as in being cheered up by hearing about something that is worse...)
I like old cars... if I had the time and means I would gladly restore old cars as a hobby. Lacking both I revel in watching it on TV.
BBC has a show - Wheeler Dealers - where 2 guys restore cars. Well, since the cars are not necessarily vintage it is often more repairing than restoring, but it's all done in good humor, explaining what they're doing and how details specific to this car was constructed and how it works etc. After each episode I feel I learned something. Great show!
Then there is the... sigh... US variety. The - numerous - shows all claim to be restoring, but this is ALWAYS interpreted as slapping on some chrome, LED lights, metallic paint, big rims etc. All done without showing any actual work, but with loads of staged 'interpersonal drama', jumping high-fives and "That's so cool, dude" dialogue.
It breaks my heart to see a beautiful - albeit worn and tired - old pickup truck being 'restored' into a pimp-mobile.
So all this to say... be happy that you only have to deal with restoring or leaving as is... not, say, a chromed Adrian helmet...