Jon- that is an AMAZING deal you got for the ASM 300/ASM1! And really, nice presentability on the front cover. As fast as my SA ASM collection is growing, I know that #1 will probably elude me for a little while. Still, 30+ issues to worry about before crossing that bridge.
Richard, since you seem to have the "diease of completionism," I would suggest going with the ASM series for three reasons: 1. you've already got 201-300, why not get the whole damn series? 2. it's a title that is always in demand and I can't imagine seeing it drop off anytime soon (so prices probably won't get toooo much better), but more importantly 3. they're a lot of fun to read. Cap- same reasons for you too!-) I really can't say about the Timely comics as I don't have any experience with them. Still, MrBedrock's advice sounds pretty solid. I know that when I've had people offer to make some trades, I'm pretty limited on what I have because my collection is really, really focused; there's nothing I can really afford to trade off. If I had a wider spread of titles, might be a little easier for me.
And Blue... that ASM 45 is really, really beautiful. Wonder what it must have been like flipping through a book that old in that condition?