It is interesting that the definition of vintage is more fluid than it was say 25 years ago. In the olden days anything after 1965 was deemed to be uncool. I love my '66 but was gutted when I eventually realised that it was not a "proper" vintage Fender (Jan 5th so 5 days out). Now that I am older and fatter/wiser (one of those is correct) I am more than happy with it and would kind of miss that binding. The pre-CBS stuff I have played have mostly been very nice, but I can guaratnee that elements of that were because I wanted them to be. If we want something to be something then we will project onto that something whether that is a bass, a car, a significant other, a potential significant other or even a politician (don't get me started). And nowhere proves that better than the internet. The amount of kit I have bought with my eyes rather than my ears is insane.
Of course any Fenders from the 70s were just the uncoolest instruments on the planet. Then I bought a 73 neck and body and bodged up an instrument. It is exceptionally nice so there goes that definition as well. Quality control slipped in the 70s so I am sure there are basses which are not as nice, but the reality is if my 73 was the only bass I had I could be more than happy.
Collectors/Purists will "decide" what the market will stand and then it becomes a "truth". The things that were made when "we were young" but could not afford them will always be "the ones". I am more than happy with this because the time will come when I will shift my '66 and happily take the fat profit of whatever I get over the £400 I paid for it.
Do I love knackered old Fenders? Yep.
Do I think of buying a damaged Sei J5 and getting it resprayed in nitro and reliced? Yep.