Its not even the lack of 206. As miroslav said, finding a bulk source for it is unrealistic (although I am aware of one), and in 1/2" isn't easier. But please go on eBay, the local Cincinnati craigslist, or anything else, and start looking for one source to buy 4-6 reels from for less than 500 dollars that isn't RMGI or ATR. You will not find them, not one.
I see bulk Ampex 456 all the time, but we all know to avoid that. I see onsies and twosies of 1/4" Quantegy, maybe one 1/2" if I'm lucky. I've even seen an abundance of 206/207, but only in 1/4".
I did attempt to purchase RMGI 911 last year, only for them to be out of stock for months, ending with me canceling my order and using that money for my bills. It was supposed to be my Christmas present to myself...
So you see, its really a matter of there is no good NOS 1/2" around, and even when there is, by the time it pops up I can't afford it.
I was about to seal the deal for some 206 NOS. A few years worth actually, and then I got sheisted out of some serious money, and I'm sure by the time I get back to him they'll be long gone.
And there is a specific reason I chose 206. My machine is set up for it now, it should never go sticky, its one of the best sounding tapes imo, and Its resale value is always high.
So honestly, its not about a specific tape, its about constantly chasing something that isn't going to come to me, whether I do digital, analog, or whatever. 6 years of not being able to record a damn thing due to living and financial situations is too much for me on top of everything else. I love recording more than anything save songwriting, but I need cash quick after my latest setback, and my last decent chance at a lot of tape before the next time my drummer was in state got screwed royally by a family friends selfishness (putting it lightly).
The waiting game has become nothing less than depressing, to be honest, and Im just starting to think me recording any time soon is very unrealistic.