In fairness to the concept of historical discussion - The more strictly a thread sticks to its origins the less likely it is that discussions stemming from the post can propagate. This also increases the likelihood of any given post languishing in the dustbin after a bit of time has passed and it gets buried under a page or two of newer and unrelated posts.
And if everybody posted to your own high standard, AvNY, you and I would not even have this conversation.
I am prepared to let a thread 'wander', but not on a personal reminiscence.
I have no objection to others starting reasonable threads, but in this instance, honestly, if strictly moderated, I would not anticipate the thread should run beyond 2 pages, maybe 3.