Lynn,
Some good points about the motor situation but in my opinion different then replacing a a lost tag. If you cracked the block do you throw away all of the other correct components?? Don't think so. You replace the block not the entire motor.
10 years ago when said individual started his restoration by scrapping pennies just how desirable was his car then? Or did he even have an idea his car was that rare or desirable. Probably not.
I talk to people all the time who said that 10-20 years ago they never had an idea what they had or imagined that their cars would be worth so much today so do you really think they cared about a little piece of metal with numbers stamped into it? I don't think so and I stand by that. That's my opinion.
Good argument though.
Rick H.