Wanted to say "thank you" for everyone's attention and responses, and the plethora of PM's to ponder. So far, there has been a fair bit of legit interest, and even a few bona fide offers, but unfortunately nobody local enough to meet me in SC to do a deal, and I can't accept the risks of shipping, even to an honest, reputable buyer.
And importantly, you all raise a very valid point - the sentiment of selling and regretting. I've done some thinking on this topic - and it does cause hesitation. While I don't need to convert my collection into cash, per se, it would certainly provide a nice chunk of change to channel into whatever hobbies my daughter develops as she grows.
There's also a duality to consider between the fervent, frantic fun of "collecting" versus the self-satisfaction and cool comfort of "owning." By collecting - I mean the verb - the thrill of finding that minty catbox, or whoa, a sealed pro controller? Please sir take my money! You know, the assembling of the collection. But ultimately...the full Jaguar repertoire is fairly limited, and once every game has been played, and every sealed item sufficiently ogled...what value really remains in simply owning the items?
For me personally, it seems the biggest value (besides the ego-stroke of receiving all the praise on my collection) is the potential of re-discovering the collection with my daughter in the future. Maybe the same thrill I had as a kid when I discovered my dad's old baseball card collection, or his coin collection (both of which, turns out, I avidly collect). In reflection, did my dad's hobbies actually shape my own? Could simply retaining my Jag collection inspire my daughter to take an interest in retro gaming?
I wish I knew!!
I do know I really appreciate your comments and flattering feedback. I feel I'm amongst like-minded folks. For now, I think I'll hold off on selling, fire up Tempest, and seek the ancient wisdom of Jeff Minter...
Andy