Fox Creek, you are right, and that is why I seek to be 'entertained' by Westerns, not educated by them. As to the plots, not much originality comes about anymore...they just 're-use' old plots. 3:10 to Yuma was just a flat out remake. Pale Rider was a great western, but watch the movie Shane, and you will see similarities. You know what this movie reminded me of, in part? Warlock.
I wish someone gave ME the money to do a western, anyway I wanted.....ya'll wouldn't be able to handle it...
Things that get me are plots set during the 1860s..right after Civil War, with everybody and his dawg carrying an 1894 Winchester and a 4 3/4 inch Colt. Folks going around wearing clothing that wouldn't exist for another 50 to 100 years....
I think that 'back in the day', they consistently made very good westerns (meaning good stories, and well acted), although the authenticity standards were lower (sometimes much lower) than they are now. Sometimes with our modern westerns they still drop the ball, but they are starting to improve. From a standpoint of quality and acting, I think the older westerns have the newer ones beat...for the most part. However, some of the modern ones 'shine'.
Appaloosa is one that I will definitely see again.