performance vs. resale

I too swap gear in and out somewhat frequently. It is a strategy to upgrade so resale factor is important to me. Look at it this way, if you purchase a three year old piece for $1k, keep it for six months to a year and sell it for $800 to $900, is it worth the $? It is to me. The bummer is when you pay the going price for an item and when you get ready to sell it you notice the price has dropped drastically. I stay away from really esoteric equipment, modded equipment or, dare I say, tube equipment, as I believe it's overpriced. Haven't been burned too badly yet.
This hobby is great with the advent of e-selling as I've been able to experience equipment that never would have made it into my system if local shopping was all that was available.

I'm not sure by what criteria Timrhu determines that tube gear is overpriced. Relative to what?

Tvad, none of the three types of equipment would be overpriced according to your definition unless they exceeded market value. But they are all overpriced relative to my desire to own them. I don't look for esoteric equipment as it is usually expensive (not overpriced). Have no interest in equipment that's been modded. As for tubes, I have no interest in owning equipment that requires the level of attention that tube gear does. The tube thing is not based on sonics as I have stated in previous threads, the best sounding system I've ever heard was using Large Cary tube mono amps. I don't have any ill feelings towards those who swear by their esoteric, modded or tube gear, just not my interest.
I thought that statement was buried in my post but I should have realized someone would call me on it.