That's very true. I still have some of the wantlists I made as an 11 and 12 year old back in the early 90s, and NM 87 was right at the top along with ASM 300. I really, REALLY wanted a copy, and I am sure a lot of 35-40 year olds remember the same thing. 98 wasn't even on my radar, and holds no nostalgic appeal for me...though I still think it's a cool book.
I kept my want lists for the longest time, but I think they've disappeared now. Mine were more of a checklist though, because I wanted every copy of everything. Howard the Duck was the last title I purchased actively - nothing after HTD was an OO book.