I guess my Original Post wasn't clear as it appears only a few understood the intent of my original question, ..JMCGROGAN2, his answer was what I was looking for.
It is not a question if you would or not pay full retail, but whether you would still be involved in specialized, expensive, low production gear if it was only available New and at full retail. I for one, based on my financial situation would only be able to afford pretty much the entry level oferings from most companies which do not really interest me. I therefore would sink more of my money into Software and puchase a more mainstream form of hardware.
It is not a question if you would or not pay full retail, but whether you would still be involved in specialized, expensive, low production gear if it was only available New and at full retail. I for one, based on my financial situation would only be able to afford pretty much the entry level oferings from most companies which do not really interest me. I therefore would sink more of my money into Software and puchase a more mainstream form of hardware.