I use the old, free Nik Silver Efex for all my mono stuff, but with my own presets as a starting point. Just like any software package one can make obviously bad choices, but it doesn't have to be like that.
TR7 - my memory of when they were current is that they were attrocious, and were an example of why the British motor industry failed. I had a relly who owned one, and he had a serious accident because of mechanical failure while driving. Just an ugly piece of junk, now nostalgically reimagined as interesting and special. And I'm being polite.