This hobby is about having fun with old bikes - PERIOD! If I want to strip and refinish a bike and that makes me happy, it's mine to do as I wish. If I want to part out a bike and that makes me happy., it is mine to do as I wish.
I am personally in the camp of appreciating original finishes and complete bikes, but if I decide to strip/refinish or part out a bike, that is my decision and I would resent like hell someone taking me to task because I didn't do it they way they would do it. If you want to encourage me in my project, feel free. If you want to criticize me, please keep your comments to yourself. I get tired of this the same way I get tired of someone trying to get me to accept a religious or political position because my way is wrong and their way is right.
There is enough room on this forum for all to co-exist peacefully. Like my mother said, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.