Really? I suspect a bit of cognitive dissonance. While the Thompson was a good vise for its day, I could not imagine restricting myself to tying on one today. Of course, some are going to disagree...just as some will always disagree, probably because they have to...
A traditional style vise like the HMH has its place, but if I need minimal, I just use a Regal. Still prefer a true rotary with a cam jaws for most tying, but it mostly boils down to whatever is on the desk at the time.