Perhaps not serious, but I think people gravitate towards older systems these days because they are easier to conceptualize. It's not unrealistic for a single person to have a complete grasp of e.g. the C64 and it's programming environment. DOS is similarly constraint, but also easier for you to form a more or less complete mental model around.
Some people love computers and making them do weird stuff, older computers make certain tasks feel more manageable.
Yea, it is like looking at the insides of a mechanical clock vs looking into an electronic one.
The former is mesmerizing, intriguing, inviting and inspiring. The later? you can't wait to put the lid back on...