To me, it doesn't make much difference. My favorite topwater rod is a Daiwa from the 90s. I still use 7 or 8 Steez from 15 years ago. My first baitcater was a Daiwa's first low profile bait casting reel. It was over 40 years ago. I haven't used it for 30 years, but I'm sure I still can catch bass with it.
That being said, I'm mostly a topwater fisherman, so the sensibility of rods isn't as important. When the topwater bites die in the winter, I do fish the bottom with plastics and jigs. I really do appreciate the the newer rods.
So, I guess it depends on your fishing style.