This seemed like too good a thread to let it fall away.
She also said that it's not the size that matters but the effort you put in that counts. At least you probably try your best within your own budget constraints to buy what you can. Taking the time to write good quality reviews as you do is another respectable trade for music if you become recognised enough to get a few promo copies here and there.
I've got a pretty small collection compared to what I'd like to have. Bout 250CD's purchased over a year and a half period. My expendable income nowhere near matches the extent of my deranged obsession. But I'm the sort of person where I'll only put the effort into and gain the enjoyment from listening if I've paid the cash for it or it's been gifted to me. It's a bit of an honour agreement between myself and the artist in recognition for the effort they've put into their work. I still love the mystique of blind purchasing and/or the anticipation of it arriving in my letterbox rather than the dull ease of clicking a mouse button to "get what I want". Also nothing beats rummaging through a shop or marketplace and finding a gem. How does that compare to a beatspace, blog and/or torrent website? I guess I'm a bit nostalgic or sentimental but it will be a sad day for me if artists stop releasing a physical medium for their work.
Jon