It is the nature of the beast for us bargain shoppers. REI dreams on walmart budgets. The only answer is don't sweat the small stuff. You have your target product, either bite the regular price bullet, scour the used forums, or wait some more. Don't wait too long or you will covet the next big thing when it comes out new and will have to wait another year until it is on clearance. Best option is to know what you want quickly and be a proactive shopper. Better option...get into the myog hobby. I have often thought of making a shangrila type shelter. Also find something close and repurpose it...like a kelty noahs tarp. Good luck