I think all companies need and have various strategies to move product and one of them is "buy $XXX amount and we'll give you this super special deck that's not available any where else!". In many ways, a lot of them have to kept to that method. Sometimes they run other promotions where you can randomly get that deck for a lot lower, like a lottery (ie. D&D Mystery decks).
I think you're describe two different problem, cere23.
The problem with E is that they're seem to be devaluing their product by intentionally selling their stuff super low half a year later or a year later, at least with some of their product as they've used a bunch of different sales strategy. They use to be quite found of the buy a brick and get a super rare LE re-colour you can't buy.
While other companies are just found more ways to give away their deck, but it's still effective free as you never paid for it except for some that put it up for a high price, but then I don't think they've ever intentionally devalued it as collectors gave it that specific price.
I think the problem is that E's marketing has always been a bit "wonky" to put it nicely while everyone else doesn't seem to go that far, at least in my memory. E will regularly go "look what we found in the vault! We'll never find some more again! Get it now!!". But ultimately a company has to do what a company has to do to make money and keep on thriving. And sometimes it is the honest truth that a company has found stuff that's misplaced and no one remembered anymore 'cause that staff member might be gone.
I think the question to ask why are you collecting? Is it to have super high value decks? If that's the case, I think modern might not be the best thing as price will fluctuate for that in many more years to come and maybe vintage or antique deck is the way to go with more certainty of value upon return or at least steady value. If it's collecting for cool things, maybe wait it out for a cheaper means to get that deck (ie. lower prices or even trade someone else who might have extras).
A luxury hobby shouldn't be pissing you off 'cause there's a lot of better ways to spend that money. I think you want companies to play by your rules and ultimately, they will play by whatever rules works for them.
I do not disagree with what you have said
im not really pissed off, or am generally pissed off at manipulative marketing .
My first post in this thread was more about examples of perception of rarity with its swings like you mentioned,
I collect because I like playing cards , I only been collecting for 11 months,
i didnt have my first kickstarter deck till 4 months into it. i just collected regular Bikes, bees,
Cheapest of the cheap. if I dont like it. i'll skip it. No matter the value.
My favorites is still the standard bees and bikes,
My ideals are same for most companies, not exclusive to playing cards"
,is just be honest, and not to be so manipulative, which is rare these days.
I have no qualms about Spend x amount of money to get a get rare deck
I have no qaulms charging x amount.
I do find it slightly slap in the face if they sell something for 100$ Uncut sheet advertising it as rare,
Then sell it for 15$ weeks later. i beleve it just upsets the customers. Even though i took advantage of the lower prices. I am just trying to put myself in those buyer's shoes.
my rant is more of a preference, we all have preferences. I never boycotted any card company
If i were to boycott Ellusionist , it be more so due to customer support.
I have no rules for companies to play by, If a company rule is to lie to get the most profit,
i dont have to happy about that, im not pointing any fingers with that comment at all , to be clear.
Really, I didnt think it was angry post, sorry if i came out like that.
I enjoy most all the card companies to some extent.
One of my faves being penguinmagic, just because I like their vibe.
With that being said, Ellusionist is giving away 1 Million dollars,
I hope they legitmently do so, just because they said they will.