I guess if you are seriously collecting then rare new in the box unused items are what you are looking for to be salted away never to be used. I don't think that applies to most people who wind up with a collection of things and are defacto collectors. Personally I like to collect items in very good condition that I will use. I generally stick to one manufacturer but will buy others if they are unique enough to tickle my fancy. It takes a while to really figure out what you like so you do wind up with odds and sods at first. There are always items that are too cheap to pass up even though they don't really fit in. But yea, try to stay focused by having a mostly clearly defined purpose and limits.

Bob