For me it was "un-love" at first sight, I guess you could say....
By working at the truck plant I was exposed to the advanced models.
I saw the early 1981 models and did not like the new front end as well as the current truck, so I hurried and bought one of the last 80's.
I guess tastes change, because the same thing happened when I saw the new GMT400 versions in 1988. I didn't like them as well, so I hurried and placed and order for an '87.... (the truck I still have).
K