As IPv4 addresses run out, like anything scarce, their value would go up, creating a resale market. Certainly in the already allocated blocks, there are unused sections. Those who own them may see value in giving them up for compensation. (like unused domain names).
The release of these addresses would meet the needs for a while. As they again grow scarce, the cost will continue to go up to get unused ones... until it becomes cheaper for certain industry segments to convert their networks. Maybe to IPv6 , but there will probably be resistance still (because there really are alot of difficulties in switching) and they will find ways to better use their existing IPv4 addresses (like more NATing). Pushing the problem farther out still.
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