@nrubenstein
More opinionated assumptions.
#1. I got this used at a great price. Only lacking the upgraded HDD. I have access to parts fairly cheap and can get it all done for about 1200$. 2 SSDs and installation.
#2. You say `no you wont` so matter of fact. I live in Japan where `weird` niches are the norm and this isnt even weird. Japanese people like things in enclosed spaces taking up as little space as possible. External drives are not really liked here. SSD is quite popular and selling it online is not a problem. Just because you dont like it doesnt mean other people wont. I can get my money back plus profit possibly.
#3. I dont think the screen is crappy on my 2013. Sure 5K looks nice especially when you look at it from an inch away. Move away to 2 feet and unless you have superman eyes the difference is almost negligible. My experience taking this apart is my experience to take. Its an out of warranty imac. Better I do this on a used one then a brand new retina dont you think?
I prefer to wait half a year until the design flaws have been ironed out on the new retina as well as wait until most apps have been updated for the new resolution. If having perfectly pretty text is what makes you happy, great. Thats your niche.
I do understand your view though and can understand how you can see it that way