In the apparent impasse concerning the identification of more promising new materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells, and the imperative for the credibility of the technology that applications be proven in the short term, all relevant information from earlier work should be exploited to secure the stable and efficient operation of SOFC systems with the conventional established materials, stabilised zirconia, perovskite cathodes and cermet anodes. In a retrospective, seminal work of the past is revisited and guidelines for ongoing work established on that basis.