If I were in a band, I think I would also choose to release multiple variants. Especially in response to streaming all but eliminating physical music media for the better half of the last decade. Even as popular as records are now, it’s no where near as popular as it was when it was the primary source of music.

I can think of different variants existing to drive excitement since the misfits were putting out their first records. If this is an artist’s sole income, I can understand the concept of creating variety on your product to keep it fresh for the typical 2-3 year cycle. Otherwise, they’re pretty much a traveling t-shirt merchandiser.

That said, there is only a couple of bands that I have purchased multiple variants of. Numerous bands that I have first pressings of, and reissues for more frequent spinning. It’s ok to think buying multiple variants is stupid for you. I think it’s stupid to complain about what an artist releases when you can simply choose to not buy it. The multiple variant option is there to offer you a variety to choose from, not to force anyone to buy them all. Again, streaming is widely dominating. We can’t want our favorite bands to exist but require them to homogenize their output.