I think it's been out about five years in the U.S. and about two here.
I think what probably riled him and me a bit was your reference to being 'gutted' if you'd bought a Mk1. It would be a bit like one of us popping up on the 350 section of the forum and saying we'd be gutted if we could 'only' afford a 350Z. True or not, it would upset some people.
As you say, everyone's entitled to an opinion and it does appear that most people prefer the look of the newer variant. I'm just glad I don't, as it would mean more unplanned expenditure. I think I'll be hanging on to mine until they release the next car in the Z line or maybe a GTR, or Evora S.....
Be interesting to compare both Nismos in the flesh - all variants of the 370 look better that way.