And the styrene was very high quality with low- or no regrind.

Even up to the '80's-90s this was the case (remember metal glow?)

Dave Darby did a 1/24 Monogram '36 (?) Ford coupe that was outstanding - with only a high polish on the body.

Mebbe he can post a pic?

A Blue Beetle that came off an opportunistic web buy had what appeared to be a hobby shop contest award, just detail painted in a few places.

I also recall the scandal in early 80's judging when a builder used a full polishing kit on the Calypso Coral molded Boss 429 from the original release - then won "Best Paint" ...

As a modeler, the white or light tan is a lot easier to work with, but as a kid at heart, Monogram 1/24s that managed to avoid my glue sotted thumbs stood way out, and I recall a few convos with casual builders that they preferred them cos they didn't need as much painting.