Gunbert,
I'm guessing its married to the reciever (which lowers the value), or, sold, or, no one knows who this guy is and are afraid to send half or all the money to someone they don't know.
Otherwise, I'd be tempted to make it M16 #3 in my collection.
As to prices recently dropping, all I can say is, WHEN (Oh boy, herre comes the flame war) the Shrike is released and people see the beltfed option available on an M16 lower, the prices could double again from here.
I for one would rather have a RDIA for my Shrike (yeah, I ordered one) so that if it puts wear on the reciever I don't wear out one of my Colts.
Probably not an issue and the Colts will probably outlast me.
In any case, I predict in December of 2004, people here will wish like hell they bought this at the price.
As to FA being a waste, etc, [BS2]
With a FA M16 you can shoot like a rawl riflemun (sniff) or flip the switch to rock and roll. With a semi - you can't. Nuff said.