With you on this one Tony. Always had a soft spot for the Supersport, and as you say they can vary in their shooting manners, even when some work is done.
I have an early Lightning here, which was the subject of an AGW article - cost £70, and all finished just over £100, shots really nicely, and so compact and fast handling.
They are a nice fuss free springer, if you get a decent one hold on to it.