hmmm... I think we're analysing 2 distinct issues here.

issue 1: buy in one hit vs over the years
I'm not saying that it's any better (or worse) to throw money at the issue and buy all the Transformers a person wants in one hit. Certainly, it is more fun to slowly build one's collection and that its the more about the journey than the destination.

What I'm saying is this - there are other things I'd rather do. Like Screamer212, it was real fun for me back in Uni when I had lots of time, but now, there're other things I'd rather do. I'd rather chat with my wife over a nice cup of coffee than thraw eBay for the next 'bargain'. (of course when said wife is sleeping, I can come and have a chat on OZformers, now you won't begrudge me that surely )

issue 2: my estimate cost for 88.4% of G1
It's just that. I'm not saying its a lot of money, or very little, that's a question of perspective. All I'm saying is that I'm intrigued to find out that it cost me a lot less than I imagined it would/should have cost.