Dressing like Kalis did 20+ years ago does NOT make those dudes anywhere near the "new Kalis". There isn't a new Kalis but if there was someone keeping true to what they're about, doing things For The Culture© and keeping things strictly plaza while staying at the top of the list of 3 flippers well that'd be Bobby Worrest.
I completely agree with you. You may be reading too much into the comparisons. Skateboarding being based on people's individuality, it is pretty derogatory for a certain skater to 'be' another skater in the first place, isn't it? One is just setting themselves up for failure if they actually try and go for such a goal (that's unattainable anyway), as personality is what people want to see; so if anything, you'll just look cute in your little costume.
There will never be another Kalis but I still find the phenomenon interesting and intriguing as fuck. I get honoring a time period you grew up in, or linked to a place you grew up in, and naturally incorporating little tributes in your skating style, that's sick and probably natural. But Bilyeu's dedication to that cause is something else; I for one don't care when he (or anyone really) nerds out on OG pants and shoes, but the trademark Kalis form on that switch 360 flip bump to can just reeks of both spiritual and physical sacrifice, I love it.