20+ year LP12 owner here. It was a great journey which only ended through curiosity and a new direction. It's true that unless you're willing to spend lots on it, it's probably not highest end by today's standards, and there there are arguably better sounding decks out there £ for £. The decks which I've had since have all been wonderful in their own way, and the Technics I have now does exactly what I want from a deck (which is sonically what others may not want to be fair).
But...there's just something so nice about having an LP12. The aesthetics are lovely imo and for those of us who lived through the 80s with all the hype and adulation...the romance of it all is still ingrained if I'm honest.
I doubt I'll own another, but then I doubt I'll own another Steinway. I'm glad I had them and, never say never.
Love it, tolerate it, hate it, it's an icon and a well deserved hifi legend.