LInn was very good, groundbreaking in its time (early 70s in fact OP). In the 70s I had an original spec LP12/Ittok. But all the upgrades do not and cannot make a silk purse because advancement can only be achieved within the envelope of the original design now almost 50 years old. To pay £30,000 for a Linn today is madness but some still do it.
Against that, in principle Linn is right to keep it simple. All today's over-engineered blingy record players have long lost the principle that we are simply playing records. I want none of it.
I have had three Simon Yorkes starting in the 80s replacing the Linn and each has been a massive improvement over the Linn and the previous. They leave the Linn in the dirt without idiotic engineering bling. Remember SY was Fremer's reference for 8 years. Those of us who have the few he built are very fortunate.