The Law of Supply and Demand.
There is a segment of people who will pay almost anything just to have it early, or in the case of Leica, have it at all.
I think rising prices on Canon and Nikon gear is the result of ever increasing consumer demands for more and better, faster and faster. Increase the meg count exponentially, and then sell those users the next generation of lenses that are capable of realizing that resolution. $2,200 for the new Canon 24-70/2.8, and they didn't even include IS? Bet they sell every one they can make.
Personally, I don't buy anything with the idea of flipping it. I'm a photographer, not a dealer. However, I will ask market rate when I do sell if I can. I don't care if someone else might need it, my family's needs come first, and I won't lose money to help someone else I don't even know.
-Marc