I agree with the others here and you, that I would buy it, and consider it an interesting experiment. I really don't need an excuse to buy a new orchid, but "its different" would be one for me, in this case. I really like to learn new things along the way, and this would be a great chance for that.

After going back to the store when I got off work, I ultimately decided not to get it, and I got a different one instead. When I more thoroughly inspected roots/leaves/spikes, I decided it wasn't quite right for me. The roots, like I said, were in great condition. There were so many of them! But looking at the leaves, it was a rather unattractive plant, because more than one leaf was wonky. They were unnaturally twisted and curled, and once the spikes died off, I would be left with a very sad looking plant. It only had one more place where a spike could possibly form between leaves.

So, while I still wouldn't turn one away because of a terminal spike, this wasn't the right plant for me.

However, I did end up with a beauty!

Even tho a terminal spike is not a death sentence - plant will most likely keiki - the keikis will take some time to become bloom sized.
I figure people should do what they like. And if you are fine spending $20 for a plant that may not be able to produce blooms again for some time (and isn't a seedling of something hard to find)- then that's your prerogative ...

Opinion-wise, I wouldn't ...

Lovely!

Thanks :) I love the blush color of the flowers with just a hint of yellow.

Love it!! I have one with very similar, if not the exact same colors- like a sunrise or sunset!

It IS gorgeous! I probably wouldn't either. That's just me. I'm glad YOU did though and glad you're enjoying it! Thanks for sharing! ;)

Very beautiful. ^_^

Thanks :D

I'm siding with AnonYMouse, Orchid126 and WhiteRabbit on this one. I don't buy "rescue orchids" but I do understand why some people find it rewarding to save $20 and nurse a near-dead, dumpster plant back to health. Far be it from me to tell you what to spend your money on but I can't see a good reason to pay full price for a defective plant on the off chance that you might be able to save it. If you're going to pay full price, why not get the best quality plant that your money will buy?

The "rescue orchid" mentality seems to have morphed into an educational right of passage where people feel the need to learn how to nurse a plant back to health. IMNSHO, in the time spent nursing a poor quality plant back to health, you'll have learnt much more about growing orchids and have more impressive plants to show for it if you started with healthy plants to begin with.