Anvilhead, I don't think you can compare Melville's Moby Dick to the Big Book because it's a work of fiction. Of course, it should stand as is. But the Big Book is meant to be used as a self-help tool. Societal changes should not be ignored. Even the Bible has been revised over time. And though much of its content remains the same there are still many areas that people don't see as relevant in modern times.
Again, just my opinion.