I recall that well.
The Bigsby factory once was next door to Gibson. The Bigsby among us was considered an upgrade. I don't think tone had a thing to do with that attitude. Also, doing three sets with a 12 lb. instrument was not a concern at all decades ago.
This is a side issue. My guess is that having a Bigsby on a solid body didn't affect tone much, if at all. It may be a different story on a Golden Eagle.