I love the Alpine. Remember the first one I ever saw, in when I was a kid. Almost got run over crossing Dufferin Street (Toronto, Ontario) just to see what it was. Just think they need a little more power.
I'm down on counterfitters too. FYI-According to Sunbeam Specialties there were only 68,151 Alpines built. My two are Series 5's of which over 19,000 were built.
My reference was cost vs. return. Never said it was cheaper, although I have never seen a cost comparison.
Rebuilding a stock engine (and the stock performance) vs converting to V6 and T5 trans (and the benefit of being able to go anywhere in the country and find parts if necessary). It's a decision each owner can make. If you value stock, great. Your money, your car. Bless you for maintaining the example of the Marque. If you like to tinker, be a little creative and don't try to mislead or BS folk, fine too.