[7402]

In my experience, people don't collect stamps in the hopes of making a killing via a "Ponzi Scheme."

They collect stamps because the hobby brings them joy and satisfaction. Even if they are mocked by others who don't understand how they could enjoy such a thing.

It is not necessary to attribute to ulterior motives to what can be explained simply by different interests.

I'm sure there are aging collectors who mistakenly think they are leaving a stamp collection that could be of financial value to their children, but it is likely that they also have the wistful albeit unlikely hope that someone of the next generation might take up the hobby that has given them pleasure.

[rsj_hn]

This is how I feel about collecting books. I have a nice collection of illustrated books from the Yellow Nineties. They are not a path for financial independence, but they are beautiful.

[vintermann]

That you describe doesn't lead to "whopping prices".

And if there haven't been collectible pumpers in your hobby before (a doubtful claim), it's all the more attractive for them to be the first.