EMs are affordable. I see no reason to predict demand will suddenly surge in the future.

Importantly, it is just as easy to end up "upside down" in a SS/alphanumeric/DMD game because of an larger number of more expensive parts.

It is part of the hobby. If you want your project to be worth what you have into it at the end, you need to get a great deal on it and be careful about what you spend restoring it. Most people don't find this a fun way to restore pins and would rather restore them how they'd like than be worried about whether they'll get their money back one day.