I'm not sure why we need to talk about balance. They make the card, and I'm certain those cards will sell out. That most users have no need for them does not mean there is no need for cards like that. And regarding "worth the price"? Some people spend over 20000USD on one computer (custom case design/watercooling setup and so on). It may not be worth it to you but what you think x is worth does not create a norm that others should follow.
Sorry, didn't think I needed to add "IMHO" when any talk of what one finds worth a particular price is, obviously, a statement of opinion and personal value.
I don't think any incarnation of the 580 is a good value
given what alternatives there are in the current market, others of course can agree or disagree as they will based on what matters to them.
I don't criticize people for enjoying a McDs cheeseburger once in a while, nor do I criticize people who spend 5000 USD on a single dinner for two (including wine/tip etc.). Why should hardware be any different? The 'worth' isn't always reduced to performance metrics. As displayed in this thread, some people care about aesthetics, design, power efficiency, noise and heat production, colour, whatever. If you're not in the market for these cards that's fine and dandy, but I'm not sure why some people think that because they don't think a setup is worth it that therefore the people who do spend on those setups are simply being irrational/stupid whatever.
While I would argue performance metrics are undeniably one of the most important measures of hardware, who's criticizing anyone? I still assert the cards are a terrible value from a pure price/performance perspective, but that's my opinion about only one aspect of these cards. I don't look down or think less of someone for purchasing them, if the cards fill whatever needs that user has.
No personal attacks going on here, not sure where this is coming from. Castiel is the one poster strongly considering grabbing a pair, he seems knowledgeable about what his money is getting him, and even he admits the price is laughable. At the end of the day, it's his money to spend, and no one is calling him stupid.