While I can see both sides of the argument, If I bought only quality items since I started buying I would have a 1/3 of the stuff I have now. If you buy something that is not quality, buy it right. Make it so you can make a little if you decide to sell it and upgrade... Its not a sin... The question is do YOU like the ball? Would I Personally pay 300 for it? probably not but I don't think its "crazy high". Without a doubt plastic is the new porcelain (in a way), a new generation of collector and higher prices on metal have forced up plastic... At the end of the day Id rather have a rusty sign on the wall than nothing at all!