The 388...
The 388 is an awkward & heavy lift, true. It's a b!tch to pack & ship, and a big risk, (heh: pun). The self-contained design has both advantages and limitations. The 388's purchase price vs. the 38/M30 mixers, it's about even on a "normal" day. It's also a matter of running cost,... that the 388 is technically a "budget" format, 1/4", that will only set you back about 1/4 of the cost of 1/2" tape. Don't let me get on a tangent that the price of tape is outrageous these days. The 388 fits a niche for those who don't want to spend a fortune on tape, BTW who might also look at a Fostex R8 or similar deck as an alternative. Just speaking about the 1/4" 8-track format as a class of alternative to expen$ive 1/2" tape formats. Sure, the 1/2" system would sound bigger.
I don't know if a popular group is driving up the buzz on this item, or what the case may be. Nor would I care. I've seen the 388's price fluctuate greatly over the years. I've driven up the buzz on this unit a couple times myself over the years. The price fluctuates and spikes from time to time, as well as bottoming out occasionally. $450~$500 is fair for a nice one in 100% working order, tho' I've seen them for much more or less at times. I'd not pay more, preferrably less, and I'd prefer to find local pickup deals vs. pack/ship methods.
Not to minimize at all the real world downsides of the 388 that Herm's experienced.