I was in DC when the streets were all dug up and gutted and traffic was a mess while building this Metrorail. It was worth the trouble and wait. It is magnificent. The last time I was in DC was about 12 years ago and I couldn't believe how beautiful it is now.
I prefer the older Bredas over the newer ones because they have more comfortable seats and Randi Miller as the door opening/closing announcer. The newer trains while modern have more uncomfortable seats and a generic computerized voice.
they also don't have that characteristic squeal when stopping and starting. overall, the 7000s feel like they have no personality. they're bland, generic, and they look and sound like every other modern subway car.
I also miss the brown. I know that the brown is outdated but it's iconic to the metro. Also the escalators are slowly losing their iconic hum as they get replaced. Though from what I've heard the old escalators broke all the time so idk.
Notice the progressive ensh*ttification of US transport, Bart and this one used to have 2-door cars that were really comfy, now there's the sardine can 3-doors with a soulless/dystopian look and the comfort of concrete.