cost of enjoying yourself!
I think that both views are valid and have merit (gee sitting on this fence is great!). Seriously, I got into dealing in straights a while ago and, frankly, I don't make much money at it - but I DO enjoy it. I do try to run things on a businesslike schedule, though, or it indeed can turn into a very expensive hobby. My aim is always to resurrect an old warrior to the stage where it is usable or as near usable as I can get it - to restore it to 'concours' status is simply not cost-effective. I leave that to others. I do like the fact that a hapless hunk of rusty steel, destined, without intervention, for the landfill, can shine again and give some guy pleasure. That's it.