Straight arms can have greater tracking force than S-shaped tonearms, which is great for scratching. S-shaped tonearms are shaped such a way for a reason. The s-shape that gives the tonearm its name is angled so that the needle will fit in the record grooves at a better angle consistently. Straight tonearms also tend to wear out your vinyl somewhat faster than s-shaped tonarms (assuming all else is equal). The straight tonearm is not necessarily inferior. It's not like the s-shaped tonearms exist solely because of their nostalgic value.