Some people buy things for personal consumption. They don't care what the resale value is as they will use it until it's worn out.
Other people buy things for investment purposes. Their intent is to resell later at a profit. Perhaps they are in the business of doing this as a means of earning a living. Perhaps they do this to earn money on the side to buy other things in life, or incrementally increase their own system's value beyond what they could afford if buying new. Perhaps they are collectors. Perhaps they do this for the thrill of the hunt. Perhaps they do this because they are hobbyists and like to change equipment for the fun (and frustration) that can result.
This has always existed, not just in audio, but for many things. It's only more noticeable in audio now because places like AudioGon provide a forum for people to meet. People with different motivations were always there. They are just more apparent to you now.
Other people buy things for investment purposes. Their intent is to resell later at a profit. Perhaps they are in the business of doing this as a means of earning a living. Perhaps they do this to earn money on the side to buy other things in life, or incrementally increase their own system's value beyond what they could afford if buying new. Perhaps they are collectors. Perhaps they do this for the thrill of the hunt. Perhaps they do this because they are hobbyists and like to change equipment for the fun (and frustration) that can result.
This has always existed, not just in audio, but for many things. It's only more noticeable in audio now because places like AudioGon provide a forum for people to meet. People with different motivations were always there. They are just more apparent to you now.