Last version of iTunes to sync with iPod classic is 11.3
I found out the solution to the issue of syncing my Ipod classic to iTunes : downgrade itunes to 11.3 (uninstall 11.4, find somewhere on the internet 11.3)
Apparently the database design did not change so much between 11.3 and 11.4 that this is still possible.... take benefit while it lasts...
iPod classic, Windows 7