I'm glad I waited this one out, everyone brings up good points
It's important to realize that in the BIG PICTURE, there are TWO moving trains.
Trian #1 is the overall, abstract idea that Weber kettles are collectible. This train was moving before the WKC started and would still be moving with or without the WKC
Train #2 is the WKC. Our site and community is growing like crazy. It would be ignorant to state that the WKC doesn't have a STRONG influence over Train #1. But it would be equally ignorant to think that the WKC has complete control over it (or that the two are one in the same.
What i'm saying is - the supply and demand of old and vintage Webers ("Weber Kettle Gold Rush") is going to happen no matter what we here at the WKC.
Camaraderie is great and is the heart of the community. I adore every ounce of it and every effort people put into maintaining it. But this mutual respect and friendship is simply an etiquette of our virtual society - a "Weberquette" if you will... It's great to have, but be aware that there will be people without it, and scenarios that convince people to ignore it.
A few days ago an old gray 26" popped up in san diego. I want it, but I alerted Jamesnomore to it since it's in his hood. If he takes it, awesome. If not, maybe he'll pick it up for me. I like James and I think it's a cool thing to do as a friend and GrillFella.
BUT - if that grill had been a 26" westerner, that motherbitch would be in my garage and I wouldn't have mentioned it until I had it.
I'm reluctant to say, "release the hounds" - because it's simply not an ON of OFF status.
I think rarity and desire play a big part. If a Georges original BBQ Kettle pops up somewhere on craigslist for 25 bucks - all bets are off and I'm going for it with as much as I can afford