I believe collector's do have a responsibility. The software , apart from very early stuff, is just a big binary integer stored on some medium. Looking after source code is another matter and is in the realm of the developers and publishers. However the medium and the physical bits and bobs that are required to recreate the complete experience are important. MAME on a PC compared to an arcade cabinet? Some people haven't lived.

The problem is the act of using the stuff is slowly destroying it. Media has a finite though yet to be determined life too. So reference pieces are required - hence the need for a museum. I think collectors should try and enjoy what they have and try and spread the joy - though its doubtful I would lend anyone what I have....

It would be great to see current examples of replacing old hardware with a modern equivalent - for example the Dreamcast drive - to prolong the life of hardware so that the original experience can be recreated for as long as possible. The experience is the key and whatever has to be done to try and keep it alive.