We all have reality TV like Pawn Stars and the two dingle berries from American Pickers to thank. Ebay and the misconception of "well it's selling for $X on Ebay" so mine has to be worth that much. We also have the increase in retail stores to thank.

Problem is that the guy who has had a Dr. Who in his basement for 10 years has no clue the difference between his machine and that fully shopped out and restored machine on Ebay or in a store for $5500.

Price guides like Mr.Pinball mean absolutely nothing to these people because Ebay is their price guide. Problem is neither Mr.Pinball nor Ebay writing a check for any of these games.

Subjective condition of a game is king too. What one might call excellent condition is fair to good in a collector's eye.

When you take that quote out of context of the OP's ENTIRE statement, then your summation would be correct.

The OP clearly stated that they feel it is hard to get a decent deal by virtue of what sellers are asking compared to what pinside feels the true values are.