Epik uses almost no .NET. The reason why .NET is useful is for this:
https://as34962.net/
If you host your own "Autonomous System", that is where NetOps posts their info. That was the intended use:
Show attachment 131595
The renewal fees for .NET are going up and to the right. That said, they are cheaper than .CO so I would rate them equal. As for after-market, the deal of the year was $0.99 .CO.
Great success stories unfolding there:
https://www.namepros.com/threads/co-domain-registrations-at-epik.1143209/page-10#post-7435425
For speculation .NET is not every going to be one to give great leverage. However a .CO on promo has great prospects. The brutal renewal fee keeps the expiry stream strong.