I agree.
Although I'm not assembling my projects myself, I get a tremendous trill from searching the world for parts and I derive a great deal of satisfaction seeing my final result.
I recently discovered a vintage Rolex collector and seller of watches and parts. He is located in the EU. He has a part that I'm interested in buying. I asked him to send an invoice and he responded with, what I think is, an unusual request.
In addition to the standard address request he also requested place and date of birth.
Doesn't that seem a little odd?