My take is that Stern, as a lifestyle brand, is adding code to edge out the aftermarket topper sellers. My guess is that they are testing the waters to see if they could produce more toppers per game with this model and sell them.

They'll do the same as they did with their cost cutting, which was cut until the complaints are to high and add back a little value. They'll exploit until sales drop and then ease off a little.

If you're really incensed by this move, send Stern an email. I just vote with my wallet. After my IMDNLE, I'll never buy another nib Stern. Used market is only going to get better.

Stern is fragmenting its product to squeeze pennies. No surprise there. I just hate the bullshit. It feels like a negotiation. I prefer to deal with people who are firm and clear. Let's save time and skip the bullshit.

Now we have to consider who coded the games for a general forecast of completion. We have to discover the newest cost cut and wonder if Stern will stand behind their product. To make matters worse, we have no idea of added costs that should have been included at purchase. Raise the price and include a topper. FFS, fish tales came with a mechanical fish!

Make downgrading an option for routers. Psychologically, it is much smarter marketing.

Facemasks? A true lifestyle brand!