Part of the reason that items like the R10, the Qualia, the HP-2 and the K1000 command the prices that they do is as a result of their being out of production. If they were in production, then they would be availible anytime to anyone, if they happened to scrape the cash up.
The fact that they cannot be bought on a whim in such a way, means that demand is channeled. This is the first factor in the price rise. The second factor is that if people like having one of a limited item, then they will want to be compensated if they part with it. Thus, they will ask what money they consider it to be worth to them, if noone pays, then they keep it. If they would rather have the money, they drop the price until someone bites.
If R10s went back into production at the original prices, used prices would drop, but sales levels woudlnt increase, theyd just redistribute. And if sony tried to reintroduce it at the prices that it sometimes goes for, then there would be no end of upraor here at their profiteering attitude. If they reintroduce at a reduced price, then the existing owners and those who bought while it was discontinued feel robbed. Either way of reintroduction, someone loses. But ultimately the big loser is Sony. Its not like they would shift many. Just because when one does go for sale it generates great interest, doesnt signal that theres a great potential market. the market for mega expensive items like that is always small.