That was my feeling when I looked at what was for sale. It was probably "ok" quality the day it was manufactured. Something I might give $400 to purchase new today if prices weren't off the wall due to regulations. It was certainly not worth $14,000 in its well worn condition.
I would really like an M-14. Select fire or demilled into a semi-auto. Too bad the "policy" is to destroy perfectly good rifles. A Springfield National Match M1A or a Fulton Armory variant would be a nice addition to the collection.
I’m not sure you want an M-1A. Compare the handling characteristics of an AR-10 to the M-1A and I believe you will want the AR-10.