Onyx,
In your list of scenarios above, your 'duplicate' drum set isn't really a copy. You said it was one drumset (even if it's #1) in a series of 4 'like' drumsets. Did they make all 4 sets the same? If so, then none are a
copy unless they were built with that intention....IMHO.
...and you're speaking my language with vintage instruments. I was professional musician for 15 years, 3 major label deals, etc. I see vintage instruments as being a bit different than cars, although I see the 're-issue' similarity with continuation Cobras. Instruments
will sound better with age, especially acoustic ones, within reason (how old is a Stadivarius?). A car is in a constant state of deterioration from day/mile one. Not counting the wear and tear, which is HUGE, there's the rubber drying and even the metal becoming more brittle.
If I had a million to spend on an original Cobra, I'd do it. But it wouldn't get driven nearly as much as my Kirkham. Eventually Clapton retired Blackie. It would take a full resto to get it like new, and then we open that can of worms...
The way I see me and my copy: I'm just doing to it what many
original owners did back in the day. I'm making it my own and enjoying it.
PS: Are/were you a musician?