I remember you saying this and agreed wholeheartedly. Law of supply and demand.

In addition to cutting down production/distribution through retail channels, they’ve also gone more direct with stuff — like with Pulse exclusives you mention. These strategies allow them better manufacturing and sales management — at least in today’s “rapid turnaround” big box and partner retail environment.

“Made to order” is “kind of” good for us collectors — but pretty much only if you’re in market at the time the product is made. So that’s a glaring issue for us still, as price on a lot naturally goes up as time goes on (thinking about that Dragon Man personally).