Theres a certain satisfaction in homebrewing that you cant get from just buying gear either new or used.
Repairing can be somewhat, and even kit building a little.
Homebrewing can often be frustrating, but it is fun.
Experimenting and seeing or hearing the results( or smelling when you poof a transistor or led)

is all part of the fun!
But making a contact with a handfull of parts soldered together ugly or dead bug style has a certain sense of accomplishment that cannot be gotten any way else.
I will miss dans he had some good deals.