Elitism is usually the first term tossed out loud by the entitlement generation membership.
My comment suggests that the individual use the wide array of avenues to obtain and/or learn about the topic at hand. Today is prime time for getting into 60s garage for the music, not for the original artifact.
In 1985, we (those of us who were actively collecting, networking etc) had to make friendships with like minded people and hopefully, the more knowledgeable would be willing to share information, or at the very least, point one in the right direction. Didn't matter if concerned collecting original 45rpm pressings, compilations, or just obtaining information. In order to hear unfamiliar songs, it required networking, or buying every compilation.
As to collecting originals, 1985 was certainly better when it came to purchasing power. Competition was not united. But if you think all of these now high dollar garage 45s were just lying around for the taking, you are wrong. it required effort even back then to turn them up.
2015 - The internet makes everyone an instant expert. Look at all of the websites where one can download songs, and comps! A newbie who doesn't know anything about 60s garage / beat can obtain an INSTANT collection on his / her computer. From there, depending on life circumstances, the decisions can be made to pursue collecting original 45s, buy the comps, etc. As for out of print comps, of you really want one, you pony up for it. If you cannot afford to do so, such is life. and for originals, ebay is your every day record convention. It's like hitting every record show / fair all at the same time. Except now, the world is right there with you.
2015 is better than 1985 when it comes to availability to hear something. That is my point. You can have most anything for free digitally with a bit of effort. If you want a higher grade option, you also have a choice in varying degrees. Whether or not one can afford it is another matter entirely.
