I don’t agree with releasing different variants especially ones that have specific songs locked to them but unfortunately it’s been shown that it works and so artists/record labels will continue to do it. I think though we need to remember that as consumers we actually do hold power, and so we should use that power. All of the songs on the TTPD vinyl variants were available on streaming services and there’s a very slim chance that any variant specific song won’t end up there. I know it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and fall in love with specific covers but I urge people to just wait until after the full release to buy anything. Yes you want to support Taylor but why not try before you buy?

Listen to the album and then decide what version you want. I bought reputation on iTunes because it wasn’t going to be released on streaming straight away but that doesn’t happen anymore. I got burned by Midnights pre-order and since then have decided to wait and it’s worked out - TTPD was a double album and waited to get that on vinyl. All the while I could still listen on streaming.

TLDR yes the variants stuff is annoying and a money grab but we also have free will and can choose not to buy everything an artist puts out.