Re Sam; I too dislike modular cords. They are really flimsy and I have some sets with original non-modular cords that are 40+ years old and the cords are still in good shape. I've never seen a modular handset cord last anything even close to that. They are, at least, easy to change. I got a bag of 25 or so for free that were brand new from a surplus/recovery store that was going to just throw them out. I replaced all the handset cords on my partner sets that day.

Every Lancaster TCI show I grab a handful of non-modular cords in various colors from the cord man. I have near every color except pink. Those are a little tougher to find.