I've also quite enjoyed reading the posts on 
this thread.  So first off, thank you for 
bringing it up. ^_^

To give some perspective, when Nick came up with 
the first batch of test cels I was more with 
your lines of thinking.  However, in the time 
between those updates I'd given it some thought, 
and a few thoughts came up: 1. The test cels are 
valid pieces of production art like any other.  
Others have made the point, but they're a lot 
like the rough sketches (genga, douga, layouts, 
and other roughs,) that go into making a cel.  
Just think that these are simply roughs made 
upon acetate and in full colour.  2.  With the 
slight alterations from the end product, they're 
an interesting insight into the animation 
process (just like roughs.) ..and 3.  They're 
beautiful pieces of artwork, regardless.
And in the end, that's why I bought one of the 
test hanken cels when it came up this update.

In the end, I'm rather disappointed you decided 
to go anon.  I respect your statements (even if 
I don't always respect the way some of the 
anonymous statements were made; but it looks as 
though there were multiple anon posters, so it's 
really hard to seperate which was made by whom - 
another reason Anon isn't so great,) but I just 
can't agree with this idea of hiding.  Conflict 
may arise, but if you believe what you say, why 
not stand by it?
But I must agree with you on your other 
statement. ^^ Ms. Poe did a beautiful job.  
Logical discourse always gets farther than 
insults and petty fighting.  I'd actually  been 
planning on making a post earlier, 'til I got to 
what she said and realized all the points had 
been made. ^^

As for your last question, I wanted to post to 
provide an answer.
Firstly, while this is my opinion and mine 
alone, I wouldn't be upset if your situation 
occurred.  Why?  Well, if I was devoted enough 
to the idea of getting the hanken to scrounge 
and save, it'd be because I wanted the -hanken- 
and not a preproduction piece.  And that's what 
I'd have.  I'd see it just the same as I'd see 
saving up to buy a particular cel and finding 
out that a few other people had the original 
layout for the scene, or some of the rough early 
sketches.
Secondly, I just thought I should point out that 
you seem to have doubled back in your logic. 
Your earlier point was that the test cels should 
be cheaper (which I don't agree with, as they're 
valid production art and I've seen people spend 
hefty sums on sketches, but value is always a 
highly personal decision,) but then wouldn't it 
be worse if someone paid $3000 for the hanken 
and the other person only paid $50 for the test 
cel? 
I can understand if you'd just rather not see 
the test cels sold, but it seems unreasonable to 
me to expect that any piece of artwork from the 
animation process not be considered 
collectible.  For many collectors, myself 
included, the process is fascinating and it's a 
really fun thing to get pieces from each step of 
the way and see how a particular piece developed 
at each stage.  And if the dealers can get 
these, why not cater to the sellers who want 
them?

Just my groggy first-thing-in-the-morning 
thoughts, anyway. ^^;

~Mala