You overlook that Geezers don't hear well. Therefore, they don't particularly value modern good-sounding recordings (ignoring the fact that there are plenty of good-sounding old recordings). Therefore, in choosing a favorite recording of a particular work, we have (geezers) have to choose from the many, many recordings made before the 1980s and the relatively few made since. So the odds are the favorite will be older just based on the math. Also you overlook the belief among many geezers that the level of musicianship (call it artistry) has actually declined over the period. Sure, everybody plays great technically now (no more Schnabels), but geezers can't hea the flubs anyway so we don't care. Also since we are all senile, by the time the recording is over we will have forgotten the flubs even occurred.
Although I'm aware that geezers tend not to hear well, most or the rest of your post is right on, man! But you should have included a smiley face at the end! ;-)