These pets were originally released in 2008 but were extended to also be available in 2009, so I always thought they were treated as a mid-2009 pet (not a 2008 pet). I assume this is what that quote is referring to? I may be wrong, but I have also never seen them garner any demand unlike their parents (which are ex-lists).
As for their c$ values.. I think it is going to vary. According to the front page, '09 VRs are worth 70-150c$ but in my experience I struggled to trade TD '09 VRs for more than 50-65c$/ea *shrug*