I have two carbide tools I use. One is the EW detail and I use the Hunter carbide for scraping. I've tried the flat carbide and don't like using them. However it really doesn't make any difference how you remove the wood. Maybe you can tell if someone used traditional tools or carbide, but I can't. Also I cannot tell what lathe was used to make a piece. It doesn't matter. I buy the best tools and lathes I can afford, but it doesn't mean I can make a better turning then someone that doesn't have as costly tools as I have. So to me it is the turner that his preference to use what he has to make his turnings.
When working I had more money than time. In retirement I have more time than money. Love the time, miss the money.