I think a lot of sellers on here are trying to raise some cash on gear they now feel overpriced but still valuable (notice how there's a lot of 'custom' basses for sale currently), but aren't willing to take a hit on the price in order to shift it.
Buyers on the other hand are searching for a bargain and are put off by 'normal' prices. The law of supply and demand determines how much something is reasonably worth, but there is a difference between market value and perceived value in most cases.
Personally i've really been put off 'boutique' instruments recently and feel they are rather an ostentatious extravagance.