The trophy hunters just love 'limited editions'. And in my opinion ANY cartridge over $2k is a rip off, not just SPU's. I must admit I'm guilty of paying a bit more than that on a few occasions, but I draw the line at $2.5k.
In my opinion, I cannot disagree more. Declaring "ANY" phono cartridge over $2k is a rip off is rather like saying any digital playback source, amp, preamp, cables, turntable, loudspeaker over $(insert arbitrary number)k is a rip off. So many factors come into play when assembling a system for real musical synergy, nothing is that black and white.
When the Ortofon MC Century arrives, even if it does not meet my already high expectations, or if for any reason it's playback characteristic "flavor" is quite not to my liking within my personal system and room, then the piece will be sold, plain and simple. And this of course would not automatically mean the cartridge is "bad" or a "rip off", in fact I will remain grateful to have had the rare fortune and opportunity to own such a world class phono cartridge from a company dedicated to analog who's legacy spans some 100 years. This is a hobby to celebrate music, albeit an expensive one but so enjoyable nevertheless.