Always appreciate your comments, Adoptable.
While doing number searches the other day, I learned that the US registry also includes area codes w/ a "1" prefix (ie 1800, 1801 etc.) in w/ their list of reserved names.
I arrived at the "1area code" idea through the backdoor, so to speak, by going over lists of available 4 number names, looking for something that had a meaning attached. I limited myself to 5 of these and chose .biz, even where .us or .info were avail. As I thought about it more, I landed on the local business directory potential, and I think the .biz tld is (after .com), the best for this. Of course, the 3NN area code is better, but a couple of years from now. (when .biz gains more acceptence by local businesses and 3 and 4 letter name availablity becomes more obsolete), the potential buyer will not have to pay as much for the 4 number, and for a potential "1213.Biz- The Downtown Business Guide", the "1" will work just fine.
I agree that the overlay and proliferation of new ACs has diffused their impact for my projected usage idea. In the LA area where I lived until recently I had my original 213 replaced by 310 and on any given day, it was not uncommon to use 6 or more area codes where 20 years earlier, 2 would suffice. However, area codes have a hierarchy, not unlike tlds. The original downtown ac still carries some clout as do the economic demographics of the ac. Plus, I think one has to be selective. For instance I regd 1213 (original LA), 1310 (LA- wealthier West Side, including Beverly Hills), 1818 (The SanFernando Valley (pop. 2 million+ and growing), 1312 (Chicago Loop), and 1202 (Wash DC downtown). I was born in one, lived in 3 of the others, and have several family members that work in DC.
But, they are speculative at this point, I plan to hold onto for a few years, and I agree, there is no immediate whse value.