I think what IS being forgotten here is that almost every Ppruner would give their left whatnot to fly in a Spitfire, so a 2-seater makes better commercial sense ( though still dubious as to making profits ) - I last heard there's a 5 year waiting list and justly hefty fee to fly with Carolyn Grace; please correct me if wrong.
The operating costs of a Spit' are pretty huge, and certainly not just fuel & insurance !
I suggest ' provenance & combat history ' are pretty irrelevant, though late post-war models will have a little less attraction.
Note the new-build FW190's have the best of both worlds, being convertible from 1 to 2 seat.
This Spitfire is not an antique walnut case or racing car, but an icon, so any chance of being flying in one is something to be treasured, usually now a once in a lifetime experience.
I have no relation to or knowledge of the owners, and doubt I will ever deserve a Spitfire tie !