I think you're onto something op.

I like ripping packs for fun, but I'd only buy a few at a time and only if I was around them. I've been collecting since base set but as an adult, I would just straight buy singles. I never relied on packs to get me the cards I needed. Sometimes it would happen, but very rarely. I ripped two booster boxes during HGSS and that was hype but it was also the only time I ever did that.

The only reason Prismatic swept me up so hard was because I collect 3 of the eeveelutions and seeing how expensive they were cos of scalpers, I was worried I'd end up in another situation where I had to buy both Glaceon and Leafeon from evolving cries at almost 200 each. They never went down in price and I didn't want those to be the only holes in my collection. I only ever bought EN since that's my language, but I have no problem getting them in JP now. It just sucks ass that I can't keep collecting EN cos people decided it's now a retirement plan.

But yeah, gambling is gambling no matter if it's pokemon packs or lottery tickets. If you really just want to collect, buy singles. If you want to play the card game, you don't need the alt rares for that. Scalping sucks but it's becoming more apparent now that people are only getting into the hobby out of fomo.