"It strikes me as allot of work to make this conversion when you could simply use a Mauser-98."
I can think off of at least three reasons why the old timers would prefer the older system.
First, price: '88 rifles were less expensive.
Second,tradition: they originated a decade earlier and earned reputation and faithful users.
Third, design preference: some people prefered M88 system to M98 system for particular design features, such as a smooth working bolt. This is one of the reasons I prefer Mannlicher-Schoenauer (with its 88-type bolt) over Mauser 98.
With kind regards,
Jani
