Hey Beav,
I may be wrong but I think those cues are worth more to players wanting a good base cue to convert. Cuemakers will not pay retail normally. They need to find a bargain even if it means that the cue needs a little extra restoration. Their profit margin is too tight. As a player, I look for a mint Titleist to have converted or just to own if it's really nice. Many of us will pay a very sweet price if the cue is desirable...Tom