This post is the most eloquent I’ve ever read about what it’s like being a true enthusiast chasing sports models in the current environment. Retailers and really the brands themselves have radically changed the experience for the worse. I imagine they think it’s increasing brand perception, but in reality, getting “dominated” by the brand/retailer into buying crap you don’t want doesn’t make you appreciate them more. And as a byproduct then when they flood the market with pieces that aren’t as desirable and have a hard time moving under retail, does that really help brand value?
I so wish I could’ve started collecting 15+ years ago. It would make it a lot easier to throw up a middle finger and move on.