Yogi, I think it is worth remembering here that this is not, or doesn't have to be, an either or question. Some of us here have been doing this for a long time and have used the old traditional methods and materials as well as the "newer" options, which themselves are hardly new.
Some diehards may disagree, but we're all headed in the same direction and the desired result is the same. It is just a fact that there are several ways to get there. As in most things that are not simple or obvious, technique and process are really as or more important than the materials.
Excellent results can be achieved with all the materials mentioned in this thread. The traditional materials touted yield an excellent result which I think of as an exhibition finish because it is somewhat fragile and extremely vulnerable to water spotting. The new boys on the block get you a more durable finish of equal quality and color that does not waterspot nearly as badly, and get you there a lot faster. Time is still money.
Since that is the case, some would be surprised to learn what stock finishing materials actually reside on (or under?) upscale benches both here and across the pond.