This has been discussed before, but a while at least
.
Ed's opinion;
1. restores are pretty, but won't rise as much in value, compared to originals in 60-70% shape
2. a restored rare piece is better than nothing (or a "placeholder piece")
3. a unrestored is better than a restored piece, to me
4. you see restored's for sale on Simpson's, Rock Island, etc, and it seems to me, they never have the value a lot more than the price of a unrestored, slightly rough piece, with the addition of the price of a good restore (not the price of just a reblue)
5. It sure seems many collectors prefer a "pretty" piece to a piece without much bluing...
Ed