OK, it's really not that big a deal, and I do think some people get
overly worked up about it.
But since FT relies on the kindness of strangers, I may as well avoid irritating someone who might have the answer to my question by appearing too lazy or ignorant to do a search.
So when I want updated information on an old topic, I will first add to an old thread, quoting another poster if appropriate.
After bumping the thread once or twice, if I still don't get a response, then I'll start a new thread, always being sure to reference the old thread.
I also think that pulling up an old thread that was popular is a good "marketing" tactic, as it leverages the attention that the original thread received. I.E., it has a higher liklihood of being read and replied to.
That's my .02.