I think the problem most people are having is the idea is a really good one. You want to buy the deck but the design is just not on par with the idea.
I think you have a point here. There's minimalist and there's sparse - this deck is not minimalist. As far as the design, it really does seem like someone could have banged this out in an afternoon, even while watching the game on TV with one eye. The art is simple to the point of looking like clip art.
That could be it - this reminds me of a Merz67-designed deck.
To make this project kick and really give it an '80s South Beach feel, you'd need much better art on the backs and jokers, and perhaps tweaking the courts to make them look like Miami Vice extras - '80s fashions, hairstyles, make-up jobs, accessories (like 1st-gen brick cellphones and Panama hats)... This deck (and I believe its creator as well) wants to evoke that feeling but doesn't go nearly far enough with the design.
In its present state, the only thing missing to make it a no-budget, cheaply-made souvenir deck would be the words "Welcome to (pick your favorite South Florida town, resort or bar)!" printed somewhere on the back in pastel colors...
Ok..That made me look stupid. Of course I would pay extra when i am getting more.
But...what i meant was it would cost cheaper to get 2 EB half bricks if i could, than to get a EB full brick. It makes people reconsider getting a full brick i feel.
No, it wasn't stupid. It was obvious! He's charging extra for a whole brick, plain and simple. The math seems to have escaped him, at least for the moment...
The only valid excuse I'd see for charging more for a brick would be if it came in a custom brick box. An EXPENSIVE custom brick box.