That's right, I've said many times on here, forget the "going rate" it's over, times we live in, like you suggest, these things just ain't there anymore, record buying trips to the States are yielding less and less imho, the market is totally different to what it was " back in the day" what we deem as Northern Soul, applying our own, rules, and regulations etc, (pricing, condition etc) doesn't apply, "Rare Soul" be it Northern, Modern, Deep, Crossover, Sweet, Group Harmony etc Al, is a very desirable and sought after commodity, worldwide, some of the guy's throwing their hat's in the ring have never been to a Niter or Soul nite in their lives, they collect "rare soul" in all it's forms and formats.
I have no problem with whatever stance folk take on this, all I will say is, a record really is worth what someone is prepared to pay for it, get used to it, it ain't going away.
Kev