Interesting question and discussion topic. From the perspective of being a new standard, I'd say yes, LC+ or perhaps LC is the new postwar (forgive me, I'm not familiar with the MTH offerings). I'd say the new standard includes sound and remote control. Maybe LC is the old O27 and LC+ is the old O Gauge.
That said, I think two things get in the way full analogies to postwar. Postwar era today represent nostalgia, toys from the boomer and silent generations. Since train travel was so much more common back then, I don't see LC/LC+ attaining any level of nostalgia over time. And, because (my guess) fewer boys are into model railroading compared with, say, 50 years ago, I just can't envision LC/LC+ becoming commonplace items that "every boy wants."
Again, good question for banter.
