You make a very good point; one that's frequently overlooked. Oldtimers like me who predate home theater and even VHS, used to catch up on old movies in re-run houses. The prints we saw were often appalling, but although we noticed the faults we accepted them because we really wanted to see...
With great regret I agree with this. As I have no intention of starting a new hobby late in my life, I am buying all and any of my favorite films when they appear on disc. My ambition - and I think I am going to succeed in this - is to have so many of my favorite films, that I won't worry too...