This problem is common in any antique area and high priced lures is no exception. It is why you have to develop relationships and not just buy at random. It also exists so collectors can make connections, friends, and ultimately buy something for their collection. With the advent of eBay and the Internet, the connections aspect is all but eliminated. Now, you just sit at the computer, place a bid and hope for the best.
Good times bring individuals with disposable cash and strong urges to collect.
Bad times do just the opposite. With the habits of the baby boomers well documented, there can be no doubt that collecting of all kinds will increase, not decrease. The recent moves in the prices of duck decoys shows us the highend of that market in the three to four hundred thousand dollar range is not leveling off, but accelerating. It is my personal opinion that lure collecting will gain strength as more knowledge is disseminated via the Internet. Collectors who are turned off by the high prices in decoys may well migrate to lures.