valid points - but i have to dissagree. I can not see the scene being the same in 30/40 years time because there are not enough youngsters getting into it to support it - i give it 15 to 20 years. the scene will continue and probably still be here in 30/40 years, but there will be far fewer events as there wont be the people to fill venues like now.
As for prices, i dont see loads of 17/18 year olds buying NS singles - as said before it will be a simple case of supply and demand - i think there will be enough collectors around to sustain high prices for those rare 45's that only a handfull of copies exist but there will be a large drop in price of the others. If any one thinks that they weill be passing on value to their kids in 30/40 years i think they are mistaken - the same goes to for those that say their records are their 'retirement plan' - unless they plan to retire pretty soon.
And, yes i have considered the relatively younger european and far eastern people into the music.