a newb buyer could easily pay 2500 from a dealer, and it doesnt make them a fool for doing so
I agree with both sides of the coin - certainly not a fool for paying such a high price, because of "the spin" of an auction and the shilling that is commonplace. A "fool" because they didn't do their homework - and nowadays, newbs are checking the internet for "guides" on buying pins - like this forum as an example. It is easy for us to "chuckle" when we hear of overpriced pins - I just shake my head.
Bottom line is - A pinball is worth what the buyer wants to pay.