Regarding the kid with the action figure question, I let my kids play with them.
If you buy toys as an investment, you keep them in metal cases in the attic away from the kids.
If I see my kids with a toy, what do I say? "These toys aren't for playing with"? Forget about geekiness, thats some screwed up values.
I scored Apprentice Dork by being honest, not hunting for the geekiest answers.