Do frames go "dead" with age?

[Hover Fly]

They will also declare that Columbus SLX rides better than Reynolds 531

Because its what those continental racers used... just a minute
http://www.steel-vintage.com/eddy-merckx-very-own-tour-de-france-bike-molteni-1975-detail

Im truth I bet most cyclists wouldn't be able to tell Columbus SL from 531, and they were both made from Swedish steel anyway.