I've got a series 70 Colt that I paid $600 for probably 15 years ago that shot ok but it needed trigger work so a few years ago I sent it to Terry Tussey and had a few things done like a reliability job, trigger, checkering, and a re-blue. About $1200 worth anyway. I got it back and wasn't real happy with it so he got it back. It was better when I got it back but still wasn't worth the money I spent. I've got a series 70 Commander that is box stock that out shoots it. So I don't think I would spend that kind of money on one. I think a lot of it is '' Look at what I got'' type stuff like a high dollar boat or car or truck.
i agree with your "look at what i got", but my acquisitions come from a "someday, i will get one of those", and rejoice when i accomplish those goals. i usually don't share here or anywhere else when i accomplish one of those goals, there are only a handful of members here who give a crap anyway, when i do get the next grail gun on my list i likely won't post about it or provide photos. i have 1911's from Norincos to Nighthawks, they all have value to me beyond their market place value. finishing my list of wants, and tinkering with them, is just about all that keeps me going now. i resent not being able to go shoot them, so now they are prizes (to me) that sit unused.