There is something intrinsically wonderful about a bike that has been brought back from the brink. The very fact that it owes the builder more than a comparable good condition example, only serves to heighten the bond and attract kudos to the builder.
Some things are worth more than the sum of their parts.
If you see a fully insured BMW R1000 RR trashed 20 minutes after purchase by an unskilled owner, your heart does not break, he will have another one in a week.
But when you go in the back shed and see the CB 350 Honda that your Dad rode to work in all weather, working two jobs to put food on the table for the family, you are less dismissive.
That fence post Guzzi project was an absolute inspiration.