With over 30 years of collecting "things" I also came to the conclusion a long time ago, that being rare and being valuable do not necessarily go hand in hand.
Just look at a Zenith 1000Z Stratosphere radio, production was about 750 units and it cost $750 in 1935, one sold last year for $42,000 and one just recently for $50,000 and there are 40 of them accounted for. I know of TV's that had production numbers in the low 100's (if that) and only a couple accounted for that wouldn't come close to those prices.
The only TV I know of that has been quoted as having a value in the $40K range is the RCA RR-359.
It still ends up that the value of a "collectible" is only what the buyer and seller agree on.
John, I have to agree with you - love those big projection sets!
If I was near California I'd probably have that TLS86 sitting in my living room.
Chuck