Haven't tried NLs but have I own ELs, SLC, Ultravid HD (pre Noctovid) and SFs. Plus some porros
Each has it's place for me... EL's (8.5x42) are my primary "birding" binoculars for when the leaves are off the trees. I love them... They suit me quite nicely and to my eyes offer a spectacular, utilitarian view. They are my favorites.
Ultravid HDs (7x42) are my primary birding binoculars for when the leaves are on the trees. I find their view as good as the ELs in most situations, and sometimes better. I love them as well.
Zeiss SFs (10x42) are my big field binoculars, for when I know there will be longer range viewing. They are top tier as well... the wide FOV for a 10x without much weight penalty is a fabulous asset.
I am in no rush to try NLs because I am very lucky to have the nice binoculars I do have and would have to sell a couple or few to buy the NLs and that would be a net loss for me unless they made amazing birds appear on command
My Swift 8.5 porros are what my children use because the IPD works better for them than the 7x42s (B&L) I have waiting for them. They were my mom's and I inherited them when she passed. They are worn and loved and their FOV is modest but my kids see birds with them and get excited, so, I love them too.
If I could only keep one pair it would be my SLC 8X30s because the view is quite good and they are such a nice, well built, compact binocular that is more than adequate (and often advantageous) for 95% of the situations I find myself in.
My thoughts... No agenda and no science or religion to back me up... Just trying to chip away at the OPs original question.
In the purely hypothetical, if someone offered, I would probably trade my ELs for an NL just to see, but would keep my other bins because they each have a role.
Cheers
Daniel