People getting defensive at car shows!

I was at a cruise night in my mid restoration phase. Paint and roof had just been done and looked awesome....imho. The 5.9 magnum was dirty with rusty old headers. A guy with a 71 chevelle big block car pulls in next to me. Car was beautiful, nut and bolt resto. I can't imagine the expense for it. He got out and looked at my car before moving on. He said to me, "this could be a really nice car if it weren't for those headers". I just chuckled and said it's getting there. Dipshit.
Problem with that is, yes the engine compartment will stay nice if you don't ever drive it. same with Harleys I have a friend who has a nice 2003 road King anniversary edition, he rubs and polished it more than he rides it, I pull up on my bike its covered with garage dust and dead bugs and I say "lets go" they wont get scratched if you never ride them but whats the point? riding them is the point.