[e-merlin]

My two cents and that's probably all it's worth:

I don't see anything wrong either. They are taking mass-produced pieces and tearing them down. It's not like they are depleting the supply. There are thousands more made every year. Plus, I can't buy exactly what I want from Fender without paying big Custom Shop bucks. So, I can get that MIM 69 Thinline neck and a 50's Tele body, throw a Chandler Super 60 bridge pickup into a generic three saddle bridge I have laying around, make a control plate with just a volume knob, and toss on an Esquire pickguard...For a lot less than I could get one from Fender.

So it's really doing a service to those of us who like to roll our own. I do think bidders get a bit enthusiastic, though. I wish prices were as high when I was doing it.