agreed. good points but still price is a bit high.
Here's a good idea: don't buy one. If the price is too high the market will decide. If I didn't already have two MegaAChips in systems and a 500+, I'd most certainly buy one for that price -- that's what I paid for each of mine used. Instead, I'll pick up a Deneb.
I like the idea of a PLCC puller, but I have to say I like the socket. I built all of my own hacks in sockets to avoid clip-on snafus and soldering mess (I can't believe how many hacks I've read which say to solder directly to the chip.)