Don't agree at all. We as customers wanted the option to buy different versions of the same pin. I remember discussion threads on this very topic. Many people chimed in and said they would love the choice of spending more money and buying a feature rich pin. Especially when we read an interview with one of the designers and they mentioned what toys they had to remove due to cost. People said...I would be willing to pay extra cash for that toy or I wish they would offer us the option to buy that instead of just removing it.

Now as customers you are getting a choice. Stern is finally catering to the home collector and giving you the option. How can you complain about this? If you don't want to spend the money that is your choice. Can't please everyone all of the time I guess.

I agree that pins have gone up in price. The fact is that in order to survive Stern had to change their business model. This is the result...I would guess that if this current model hadn't worked they would be long gone. I think having a choice is better then having none.

As far as JJP goes I wish him nothing but success. If it's a fun pin I'll probably buy one. If it sucks I won't. Either way it's a great choice to have. Although I have my reservations about the long term viability of a company that depends on customer deposits for working capital. Also....As far as I know it's not even released to the mass market yet.