Martin -- I normally don't take you for a cynic. I am usually far worse than you in this regard. But there's a real undercurrent of resentment here that I sense.
What harm does it do if fans fork over their money in allegiance and they get a handful of cheap tchotchkies for the honor of calling themselves "a card carrying fan"? Isn't successful marketing all about giving people what they want?
No, but just as many people feel the urge to criticize bad deals I'm doing the same. That still doesn't make people unhappy with their purchase, I mean we all buy stuff others think is a complete waste right.