The gulf between the Mini and the MINI is enormous, much harder to bridge than between the other cars you mentioned. The only similar instance is Beetle to New Beetle.
Let's face it, the old and new MINIs have nothing more in common than the name. When a meet has owners of both, they have nothing to talk about. MINI owners are talking ICE and retrofitting, Mini owners just want to stop the oil leaks.
I've quit trying to force companionship that isn't there. Just be happy with your MINI friends.
And let the classic Mini owners be happy with theirs.