ken ca
It's not very complicated.
These are mainly collectibles, I have other planes for general use. Should I ever wish to sell these planes, the average buyer is not interested in procuring a plane with a blade with 3/8" to the slot, even if they stick it on the shelf. I could procure a replacement blade - ward, sorby whatever, but an original Norris stamped blade adds value - even a rebitted one adds value over a Ward etc.

What's more, I enjoy returning something to usefulness, turning a blade with no life left into something useable gives me satisfaction. I don't care if it takes "too much time and effort", or I'd be better off buying another one.