Why so many linn lp12s for sale

Dctom, you might want to go out and listen to a top shelf LP12. The Radikal is a MAJOR upgrade over the older Lingo....particularly the older shoe box version.
I also think the Kore or Keel sub chassis makes a nice improvement.
To state that a 2004 model isn't competitive with other more recent TT's isn't surprising, BUT take a Radikal D with Keel or Kore, and I think you may change your mind.

MANY years ago a rich friend of mine gave me an LP-12 when he moved to Europe , I did not know anything about it whatsoever, that it was the greatest etc etc.
I ended up giving it to a nephew because my AR-XA with Shure M-91ED sounded better.

the LP-12 is a very good turntable, but it has to be set up correctly....and it goes out of setup easily. There is a manual by Linn that goes into the finest points of setup (I used to have one, but its gone now)....

This constant myth that the LP12 goes out of set-up easily just ain't so folks.
I had my LP12 with Valhalla for nearly 20 years with no issues with regards to set-up. The TT does indeed need to be set-up correctly in the first place, BUT once that is done, it will not wonder off set-up anymore than any other TT.
Now that I have the LP12 updated and correctly set-up again, I am certain that the new set-up will last an equally long time.
BTW, Schubert, too bad that you didn't take advantage of the gift that someone gave you...with a good set-up that table would have eaten your AR-XA alive.

I'm sure you are right DaveyF.
In my early audiopile days I was just too busy listening to music to get things right.