Definitely agree with others who hold the opinion that this is a niche set. Absolutely, that said the question is what niche? Well, of course it`s in the AFOL market given the category and price tag. That means at least 2 things, 1 it`s over the majority of buyer`s heads, but also keep in mind that the target group is the people with more money. The people who want the Triple E will pay for it, if that means $400, $500, etc. down the round, done. It`s not going to be a issue of price if you find the buyer. You`re going have more difficulty finding a buyer, but when you do the big bucks will be rolling in.
Backing this I`d say, look at who would buy this. Someone that wants a great display. Corporate office display perhaps? The one I have built is absolutely gorgeous. I have no complaints (ok, maybe less stickers, printing preferred). Those are a buyers with lots of cash, or at the very least willing to spend it. So ya, your market is a niche, but look at custom motor bikes or tailored suits and tell me there is no money to be made. Sure you have to go about it quite a bit differently then you would selling hotdogs or other heavily desired items, but there is lots of dough to cash in on if you go about it the right way.
Would I buy 50? No, I don`t have unlimited cashflow, 99% of us don`t, I`d diversify before I do that, it`s the smart play, but would I buy at least a few or several? You bet.
I can`t comment on retirement for this bad boy, it`s only been a year, but my feeling is that it will likely be much shorter than say a Modular or the Tower Bridge, should be a given, again because of the niche market.