You said it best on your podcast, sure I could afford a $4 candy bar, but I would feel like an idiot buying it (something like that)
I've never been able to afford a NIB during my time in the hobby (adopting two kids is like being held by the ankles and shook upside down) but I had hoped now that things have settled I could start to dream about that day. But the way prices keep creeping, and the more customers keep complaining, and seeing kickstarter for books.... I don't know.