I have been to recent ETF conventions, and I'd say the prices are very reasonable. Folks like me, who visit from afar, don't have an easy way to get TVs home, unless you sweet-talk the boss (Steve McVoy) into letting you leave the set there until you arrange for pickup and shipping. So that cuts down the bidding competition somewhat, plus the sellers know they are dealing with a "tough crowd," as at most swap meets :-)
It's a little bit of everything, as you guessed. I'm still kicking myself for not buying a cute little Teletone TV-149 that went for peanuts last year -- but I had sworn I couldn't buy anything new until I completed my unfinished projects.
The usual routine is to have a swap meet on Saturday morning, followed by an auction, then presentations. This year they will also have an auction of items from the estate of a noted collector.
Phil Nelson
Phil's Old Radios
http://antiqueradio.org/index.html