"I can only already see these locos priced at $500 a pop three to five years after they come out b/c there will be almost no demand for them."
In general, previous Lionel "Heritage" (or similar) trains/sets have pretty much held their value (you can check it out with some fact-finding) - and certainly not have not decreased by ~60% for un-run sets as you indicate.
Good thing you're free to put your money elsewhere.