Ah. Completely agree with the Fun element. You got me there. My concern is the whole OCD component that also appears to accompany the phenomenon as well. I know when I have a few $$$ in hand that I am happy to burn, it doesn't get spent on beer or pizza - I'm straight onto Ebay to see what I can pick up (sometimes) for cheap.
There's nothing quite like the buzz of having a new action figure enter your life - regardless of whether it's the first one - or the fiftieth - of that particular sample. New or used. Rare or this month's mass market release. It doesn't seem to matter.
I will admit it. The whole army building thing is very weird. One figure just isn't enough and I KNOW what that feels like; but I have trouble explaining the passion to outsiders, people who just look at me weird when they see my collection of weird toys and strange stuff.
20x 1979 Kenner Alien action figures. About half of all that I own. That's also not including the Tsukuda, Halcyon and Gentle Giant derivations of the figure also in my possession. Fun is the only real justification; more so it's the only one you need! That and an understanding and appreciation of the weird OCD that fans generally experience to varying degrees. People around here don't mind at all. Other places understand as well. Having an understanding (or at least tolerant) significant other, is a blessing. At least my 'vice' doesn't involve gambling, hard drugs or any other potentially damaging or dangerous habit. It's kind of weird but mild compared to some things others consider to be Fun but I find mystifying.
So I get it - I just don't fully understand it myself and I'm a practicer of it. LOL.
-Windebieste.