Lisap - I don't think you're being obnoxious at all. I love the idea of investment scarves but when I first started experimenting with scarves, I had little confidence and no idea what kind of scarves would work the best for me. So I found it really helpful to load up on thrifted and inexpensive scarves first, and just play with them, to see what I liked best, what kind of fabrics (no silk for me), what size, what shape, what patterns and colors played the best with my wardrobe.
I also made it a goal to buy a scarf on any of my travels as a souvenir. In many urban areas you can find inexpensive scarves for sale on the street. For example on my last trip to NYC, I loaded up on solid pashminas for something like $3 each. I bought a rich cranberry red, a cobalt blue, and a cream scarf. Lo and behold, I wear the red the most. It has developed a few snags but I've proven that it's worthwhile to invest the $ in a higher quality cranberry red scarf. A lot of malls also sell these in the mall carts (though more than $3), so that is another source to try. The quality isn't all that great but for $3 per experiment it can't be beat. It's also a great & inexpensive way to experiment with potential new accent colors.
While it's true that some of my all-time favorite scarves were purchased online -- as I was drawn to the pattern (abstracts, paisleys, florals, plaid) -- I will say that it's always best to try on a scarf in person. Not just to feel the fabric, but also to see if it actually works for you and the way you want to tie it. Since I'm only 5', size can be a deal killer for me, as I'm quickly swamped. But then again if the fabric is very lightweight, an enormous scarf can work just fine. You don't know until you start wrapping and flinging and tucking.
Dianthanus - I recently moved my scarf collection out of my closet and into a basket, which I've filled with rolled scarves. I can see them better this way. I did a culling and then an audit to find out where I had some gaps. I had some gaps in solid scarves in my accent colors. That is a good place to start. Then also add some patterns that include your core neutrals + accents -- whatever pattern appeals to you. A floral worn with a striped top is a no-brainer. I do also find it handy to have a couple of scarves that are neutral only but with some sort of pattern for interest, for example I have a brown paisley I purchased in Vienna which gets tons of use since I can bookend it with my brown tall boots, and a light grey/cream abstract scarf which works when I'm feeling more monochromatic or already have too many colors going on elsewhere.
I also really like the scarves that come "pre wrinkled" for some reason.
Finally, I have very few heavy winter scarves left. I have a couple for use when shoveling snow or other outdoor gear-type activities. I find I am just as warm with a large, light weight pashmina triple wrapped tightly around my neck, rather than a big bulky & scratchy scarf.
