Exactly. That's why people value in person autographs. It's something that you can look back on and have a lasting memory. I remember as a kid, my dad took me to an Ann & Hope Department store and we waited in a short line having no idea what we were waiting for.
My dad winded up taking me there to meet Al Lewis (of the Munsters fame) who was signing autographs for his new VHS series. Thought it was the coolest thing since I loved watching reruns on televison. My dad didn't think twice when he bought a VHS tape of Granpa's Sci Fi Hits & Misses (to get signed) along with a signed polaroid. I still have that memory along with the VHS tape and the signed polaroid. After Lewis' death, I've always looked back at that picture proudly remembering the day I got a chance to meet him...
Unless I meet that person to get their autograph, I'll never buy their autograph off Ebay or from a third party, no matter how trustworthy the seller is, etc. You just never know.
I'm sure the VHS and autograph that your dad paid was WELL worth the memories that you carry with you today. I have similar stories like that as well and everytime I walk by one of the photos from that day, it's nice to reminisce because it always puts a smile on my face. That's priceless in my opinion.
Some people feel that it's worth it. Others don't. 
