<< rebuilders (even Bosch themselves) don't re-do the windings. They
replace bushings, brushes, solenoids; but the windings are always the
same old stuff from 14+ years ago. Problem is, the windings essentially
ARE the motor. They generally don't go bad, but when they do, the
starter is DONE>>

Not true.

<< The labor involved in re-wrapping all that copper would be more than
the value of the part>>

Not always True

<<There  are no more Vanagons, the scale is gone.>>

A starter is a starter is a starter regardless what it's out of.

<<I'd stop throwing good money after bad and get a whole "new" rebuilt
starter.>>

Good advise.
But if he woud like a high performance starter without getting his eye
gouged out at Go-Westy, look for an independant rebuider beside the guy
that went out of buisness .

And furthermore......
Nyet.

I'm not sure where you doing your starter rebuilding shopping at, but
there is plenty of outfit's that will still rewind an armature.

Not really as expensive as you may think.
Sometimes cheaper than an over the counter reman.
And you can custom order cranking amp output.