John:
Congrats on obtaining this magnificent bat! Your rationale is sound, and in all fairness, the REA example could/should have gone for lots more... especially if you had entered into the bidding.
I was under-bidder on that one, and am still haunted by not going after it more aggressively. I think you did well to get this seller down to $5,800. He was not flexible with regard to any of my offers.
The money can be re-made... the Bat can't. I'm guessing that maybe 5 - 10 of these still exist?
Wonderful acquisition!