[playingchanges]

It seems like your argument is more agains collectibles in general. I also can go online and look at the art for various rare Pokémon cards for example. I think you underestimate the psychological component of ‘ownership’ and the extra satisfaction that might bring a collector.

An anecdote,

I am an avid jazz record collector (vinyl). Every record I own is available to me on Spotify and I actually frequently find new records to purchase on Spotify (they have a great jazz selection).

Interestingly, or maybe not, I find that I listen to the records I own more than those I don’t even though I have access to so many more.

I also find myself having significantly more patience with the records I buy blindly than I would a random thing that comes on algorithm radio.

The point being, ownership creates psychological attachment which in turn creates some intangible form of value that I can’t quite put a number on but I definitely feel.