I AGREE that the "Specials" are not worth the money. You would be lucky to get 50% on a resale.
My guess is that the asking price is negotiable. Still, if you want an RBL at a reasonable price, they are out there to be had.
I've owned a half a dozen and currently own 2 RBL-28s and an RBL-20.
I love the 28 gauge guns and the 20 gauge are OK. I had 2 16 gauge guns at are now history and will never miss them.
I can attest to the quality, dependability, and shootability of these guns. They are great guns to carry in the field under any condition. I don't view them as family heirlooms and that's the one of the reasons I bought them.
"Lipstick on a pig" is a bit over the top, though. It's a valuation call, not quality.