Life is too short to buy someone else's favorite stereo gear

That is why I would NEVER buy used equipment.  Save up and then buy the newest technology.

I agree.  If people are selling their old used gear, their equipment must not be what you would like either.  Being cheap has its price.

Well I'm a frugal Canadian and just purchased a used Spectron Magical MK ll hybrid class D amp ( weighs 45 lbs) to drive my new Maggie's 0.7 speakers that will arrive this Friday. In the meantime I've been using the Spectron to drive my DT Mythos ST speakers and they have never sounded so excellant!! Every song has so much live sounding energy and dynamics and huge soundstage. I'm godsmacked as every CD that I play and have played for years sounds so different and alive in a very very good way!
For the $950 I spent, I'm thrilled!! If it goes up in a puff of smoke, I dont know what I'll replace it without spending thousands??

buy the newest technology

Almost all of my current gear was purchased new (except for 2 subs) but I have had good luck purchasing used gear over the years as I kept learning what gear sounded best to me. 
Relative to digital - I agree with you because that segment of the industry is still moving fast although it has slowed to the point where there are some good deals on good-sounding first generation used stuff. 
With regards to other gear, I would be ok buying used and do not perceive big differences in the past 10 years or so, except at upper price points.  There are some improved parts and materials that have resulted in some manufacturers upgrading their lines, but someone can still assemble a good-sounding system with used gear and speakers.  

Well I'm a frugal Canadian

Note the date and the time when we went international.