Definitely two schools of thought here. Two very distinct camps. ... I must say, it was excellent info that you provided, though. I am also a member of the "clean cymbal" camp. I just prefer a lighter and cleaner sound. They speak clearer.
Each to their own of course. If you prefer shiny and clean, both visually and sonically, go for it! After all they're your cymbals.
I was trying to express some opinions which I believe I share with the larger proportion of vintage cymbal owners out there. I have gleaned this from my personal relationships with many drummers, including some of the best around, the reading and research I've done on the subject of vintage cymbals, and the opinions expressed by large numbers of drummers on sites such as this one and cymbalholic.com.
It is my opinion that a "cleaned up" vintage cymbal at auction like, an old K or an A trans stamp for example, will generate less interest and therfore a lower price. It is not only the cleaning and removal of the patina that would concern me, but the process used to do the cleaning, especially if the cymbal has been machine buffed. Both heat and the abrasiveness of the buffer could alter the cymbal's sound in the process of making it look "pretty" (I personally think a nice golden patina is a lot prettier, but I digress) .
It is well known in the antique world that "fixing" and cleaning up antiques will more often than not lower the value.
The individual starting the thread seemed to not be knowledgeable regarding vintage cymbals. I saw my role here not so much to instruct as to advise, especialy with regard to his comments on "brass" cymbals.
Once I've made my point, it up to the individual to make his own decision.
When I was a teen, a drummer I knew had a red sparkle set of Ludwig drums. He decided he wanted his cymbals to be the same color. Although I was only a kid myself, I assumed there was a very good reason others had not painted their cymbals and warned my acquaintance not to do it. Without testing it on one cymbal first, he painted all his Zildjians with red oil based enamel paint! Needless to say, the results were disastrous and my friend was devastated when he realized his folly had destroyed a brand new set of A hats, an A crash and an A ride cymbal. His parents who had gotten him the cymbals for XMAS were furious with him as they were not wealthy people. It was the end of his drumimng days as they canceled his lessons and sold his Ludwigs.
Hopefully cleaning his vintage cymbal will not negatively affect the sound or significantly lower its value and make him regret his decision.