Generally speaking, I share your belief. The United States, perhaps by virtue of being a "young" country, still has far more reverence for "new" than much of anything else. It was once explained thusly to me:Ukridge said:...my belief that while 'new' may be flashier, it does not always in the long term turn out to be any better and the change is not worth it. Channge for change's sake and nothing really changes.
In the United States, 100 years is an eternity, and 100 miles is practically next door.
In Europe, 100 years is an instant, and 100 miles might as well be on the other side of the planet.