Doesn't it seem strange that the two biggest complainers for #9 are people that made it clear they would never go Silver Plume again because the old defunked GLR people are no longer running it (with non-prototypical WSL Shays and ex-IRCA 2-8-0s).
These present day historical critics never said a word when the RGS #20 at the Colorado RR MUSEUM used the incorrect RGS sunrise herald on the tender. Or when #346 had incorrect rear tender numbers. Or the incorrect paint scheme for C-16 #278 sitting on the bridge at Cimarron.
Now critics have to point out every little thing wrong with #9 and we should find out who is responsible for all these "mistakes".
BTW, #463 at Chama had many changes made to it to put it in operation that were not "prototypical"
(mechanical lubricator, modern brake system, etc.) and everyone was happy with it. Let's give #9 the same break.