Welcome to the Forum Barry,
Sounds very much like you have the Carbineitis that is mentioned often by owners of the M1 Carbine, they just seem to get under your skin, and form a bond with their owners
and it's well highlighted by your regret with selling one previously.
I'm sure if the opportunity presented itself you would happily buy another M1 carbine, so sounds like a collector to me!
I also note that there seems to be a bit of a hot spot of Carbine owners in the Wellington area, good to see, and hope you are able to help one another out if you happen to cross paths.
Hope to see some more posts from you in the future.
Regards
Alex.