I have 2 9th generation Pioneer Kuros and the picture is comparable to the newer tvs. On the av forums there are many who still prefer the Panasonic and Pioneer plasma over the newer tvs. The split is about 50-50. I really like the Pioneers I have. They are built like a tank. The 60 inch weighs 122 pounds!I purchased my Panasonic Plasma 50” (high end model) from Kromer’s just before they closed up in 2012. Probably very similar to yours. Still works like brand new. I concur with everything you said.