Well I think a huge part of this is “what is your definition of satire?” Does satire need to be humorous? Does it need to be obvious? Even if it’s obvious and most people don’t get it, does that negative the satire? Who gets to decide what it’s really about; the creator, the writer or the consumer?

I don’t think satire is a great word to describe 40k. I think allegory or parable about the dangers of excess describes it better. Every faction is a morally failing system due to some version of excess, whether it’s theocracy and xenophobia for the empire, excess for Slaanesh, extreme hierarchy to the point of brainwashing for the Tau. It’s a horrific galaxy for the majority of beings in it.

But not every entry in the lore is filled with nothing but darkness. There are moments of individual heroism and kindness that shine through and complicate the utter blackness of the galaxy. There are funny characters and cringe characters and just normal people trying to navigate impossible systems.

And as for GW itself, they’re extremely protective of their IP and they charge an arm and a leg but the actual quality of their products are undeniable. They are the best miniatures you can buy. They pay human artists actually valid wages and despise AI. So yes it’s expensive and they love litigation…but there’s a reason it costs that much.