When I see these discussions (and I have started a few), I take this stance: suppose there was a car, the first one produced. Its classic, sure. But then a year later, they released the new model and holy cannoli is it a a thing of beauty. So people pay more for it. But there will always be others who take pride in owning the "true" first, the market demands the cooler looking version wins.
Case in point, Hulk 181 vs 180. You gonna try to tell me 180 has a better cover? HA!
ASM 300 vs ASM 299. You gonna still try to argue which cover is better? No Chance (pun intended).
This I feel applies to every case