You might be right BPF. Time will tell. In the case of a P2002JF, built as a classic all-metal design with no mandated major replacements, it's hard to see why a competent LAME armed with an Aircraft Spruce catalogue couldn't keep it in the air indefinitely.
Back from a morning's run and the opportunity to do some direct comparisons with the type of fleet you mention. I've loved all the aircraft I've owned and flown but I think you'd have to be a determined grouch not to return with a smile on your dial after an hour in the P2002.
I forgot to mention in the earlier post that, apart from the non-decorative nature of the P2002 roll protection, the sliding forward-latching canopy does allow the canopy to be opened in flight.