For me, it has become a path to Gens, but not necessarily same rep model to same gen model.
Actually I reserve gen purchasing for modern watches that are not rep'd well, or have complications or water proofing that I need to work-- like the Navitimer, 14060, and White Face Exp II, GMTs, etc.
I will continue to have reps/frankens of the hard to get/find vintage models like the Tudor, 653x, 1665, etc.
Also, I prefer reps as a try before you buy. A perfect example for me was the Steelfish and Blacksteel. I like having these reps, but based on how they wear I would not get the Gen, and might even part with these soon. Then there is Panerai. Since most people never heard of Panerai, I will probably continue to wear these as reps. IMHO, the 6497 based watches or other common ETA 28xx based watches get hard to justify paying the $5000ish price for.