so
I can pic one used for $200
Is it so bad?
I suppose for $200, being able to measure to 6.5 digits isn't
too bad, assuming it actually works (and is within spec) and you can rig up some decent software to utilize it on your bench.
Personally, though, if I were going to try to get some 6.5 digit goodness for $200 I think I would buy a couple of those $65 HP 3455A boat anchors off eBay (say, like one that powers on but has cosmetic issues and another one that looks nice but doesn't power up) and try to make one really good unit out of all the parts (and then try to find someone close by with a good meter or references or whatever to check cal or recalibrate as necessary, etc.) or something.
On the other hand, I
AM the kind of person that has always had a certain fondness for that ol' boat anchor style equipment,
YMMV.