"From the guy who bought the bike that deserves the exuberance it got. Edward Albert Chappaqua, New York, U.S.A."
************
I dunno as you have anything to defend Edward..
As someone who has been mocked for spending more than seemed reasonable on certain items over the years, I can say that I haven't lost money on a single one of those items yet. And I've sold more than a few such things later, although most such things turn out to be keepers--that's why we are willing to lay out so much for them. I do have a Picchio that'll either give me a haircut, or encumber my estate, but that's probably the only one.
As for the Caminargent, Nels didn't think it through. Try finding another one like that Nels. For any price.
Everything about the auction makes perfect sense, looked at from that perspective.
I must say it's also encouraging, in a way: the money is still out there for the really special stuff. Which is why it pays to buy the special stuff, and never overpay for anything that's not special.
Charles Andrews
Los Angeles