Compare an SX8000 II to any other table that costs $40-50k today and I suspect you will hear and see the value and how little improvement if any there has been. The Garrards are also good value, but they cost less and it is reflected in the sound.
I don't think 8000 II has any worth at that price, sonically or otherwise. Again, I know that Garrard's cost less, and they are not the best sounding, but they sound better than what they cost, there are many reliable restored samples to buy from.
Your statement that there has not been much improvement itself shows that the MS is overpriced - you can get that quality for much less. I am not recommending very high priced tables from today, and MS might have been a bargain at lower price, but now the rarity collector's premium makes it pointless.
Imo in vintage there has been no improvement in speakers/speaker drivers, but for TT, cartridge, phono, electronics, I would buy modern. Both for sonics and service. Exceptions being Garrard, TD 124, and SPU and Shure, FR 64s/3012r, which have very high value for their price and are reliable.. Granted modern amps I like are often based on vintage designs and voiced with old valves.