Actually, one has only to witness the huge beaming smile across the face of a young shooter upon shooting a Boinger for the first time to come to the conclusion that there's life in this most characterful powerplant for many years to come.
Yes, it's important for that young newbie shooter to actually hit things and to enjoy some success. But this can be achieved with the humble springer by keeping ranges and expectations realistic whilst they learn and hone the required technique.
Many youngsters prefer the feel of a gun that feels "more like a proper gun".