I've never bought retail or paid MSRP. I've purchased one NIB from Jack, a couple through local collectors, and the other at auction. The local retail guys I'm aware of are generally $1-3k over what you might see a private collector sell for.

I would actually pay a retailer a bit more if their machines were in good shape and they offered some kind of warranty. And generally they are and they do, but the markup is insane. I get that they have to pay the mortgage and feed their children, but so do I!

Generally speaking I'm guessing the average collector isn't really their target market anyway. They are after the guy who wants to pay for the convenience a retail store can provide; delivery, selection and warranty.