I think it's just another instance of MA2 rims selling for an extreme price, because Jobst wrote a book overhyping them, that's all.
When I want a pair of beautiful polished rims, I look for Sun M13-II rims, which I think are lighter and just as shiny as MA2 rims.
If you are willing to look at ebay france auctions, you can often get NOS pairs of MA2 rims (shipped) for less than $200. You get change back from you $500 bill !!
- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA, USA