Sharke - It would make sense as that's when the Valvestates were around. The Master Lead above I bought used, and I have no idea exactly how old it was, but these had been around for quite a while at the time. They weren't not the type of amp which gained value w/ years however, and mine most certainly cost me less than a similar size new Valvestate would have. Most likely not more than $200.
Mike - Man, I'd love to even just try a Rick. I think I've never seen one - or then maybe one hooked up on a wall and out of reach over at Sam Ash in NY.
Beepster - The funny thing is that for most of my life, I was 100% happy w/ a totally minimalist set up: just my black strat and an amp - or even just an amp sim. After I bought that black strat, I started getting rid of things because it was my ultimate thing. I never cared for the old guitars I had gotten rid of. Some amps I did miss a bit at times, but I probably miss them more now.
I don't know what it is, but for the last year or two, I find myself really into that stuff. After basically a life of focusing on one guitar and one amp, I want guitars and different amps and even a couple of pedals. Maybe it's turning 40, maybe it's just that I finally feel like I'm home or something. But it's definitely cool. :P