My first experience with buckling spring was a while back on a 1999 Model M 42H1292 (4th gen). Even though the board was in nice cosmetic shape and didn't seem to have any broken rivets, the key feel and actuation points were inconsistent and they felt way too heavy. It left a bad taste in my mouth for buckling spring.
Today at work I found a beaten up 1993 1391401 (3rd gen) lying around. It was missing a few keycaps but I got it home, cleaned it up, and took keycaps off my other Model M to replace the missing ones. It feels incredible, it may as well be a totally different keyboard. The keys feel very tactile and solid, just like I'd heard buckling spring described around here. I don't know what's wrong with my first Model M, but I'm really glad I found a better representation of buckling spring. I finally understand the fervor surrounding it.
Topre is still my one true love, but I want an SSK now.