Posted By:
Jason CarotaMy thoughts are along the lines of Rob D's.
I believe the most influential new collector is the one who gives a common, low grade T206 to another collector whose idea of "vintage" dates back to the early 80's. Along with the card, information about the T206 set, as-well-as other prewar sets is passed along. A fire is then lit, and a new collector has entered the pre (and post) war hobby.
IMO, the big money spenders/ultra-high grade market is a microcosm of the hobby, therefore not a true influence of the hobby as a whole.