Heyya papercut!
Inferior to the 2e original covers and revised covers ( have had two sets of both over the years). The WOTC MM binding/quality reminds me of the first print 3.0 core books. Paper thinner than the TSR prints as well. I would have preferred a TSR MM print, but I found the WOTC version for half the price and in like new condition compared to the used TSR prints.
Based on the WOTC 1e reprints, Id say their "premium" is on par with the old TSR stuff.
Thanks Jeff! I have been looking for information on these books for several months, noone on DF or Purpleworm seemed to have good information on them. Its good to have a direct source from someone who has handled them and knows the drill. Your observation about them being similar to 3e books is interesting. They are the 3e beta books!
The beautiful thing about the 2e core books is that they are stitched and can be repaired with PVA glue (Elmer's) very easily. A little library/linen tape securing the block to the cover also makes it very durable. A very thin bead of pva glue can also secure pages that might come loose.
The 1e orange spine books? A mess.