It's been said before, but the premium products we're seeing from MtG are echoing the business model we've seen from fashion for decades. From fast fashion (Secret Lairs are essentially flash sales) to Collector's Boosters, it's an easy way for a business to optimize profit. 1/

I hypothesize that what's different about fashion vs. MtG is the visibility of that extremely high echelon of product. We know that there are folks out there who buy haute couture worth $$$$$$$. But we don't often see it, and it's not broadly discussed or even offered. 2/

Another factor to consider is the previous accessibility of product. In the past decade or two, it's been rare to even see items at this price level. Ergo, MtG has already established a lower price point as part of its brand, and that's hard to shake off. 3/

Not only that, but it's also difficult to rationalize the price point when the manufacturing process doesn't seem particularly different. When you buy a haute couture item, you know thousands of meticulous hours were put into that *hand-sewn* garment. 4/

That being said, is it still a smart business move to appeal to a higher income bracket of consumers?

Absolutely. WotC would be an idiot not to do so.

But again, the challenge here is fighting against established brand expectations and maybe cultural conventions too. 5/

As an American, I have this instinctive negative reaction to anything that exposes the reality of an economic and privilege class system. I don't want to be reminded that I can't afford a Ferrari. I want to be told that the Ferrari will be mine one day.

Same with Magic cards. 6/

Double Masters and other premium products tell us right to our face that we can't afford it. This is not for us. We cannot pay to access this, because we just don't have the money. It breaks that dream, and we get upset.

There's no winning for anyone here. Except rich folks.7/

At the end of the day, a corporation will do what it must to survive. This means optimizing profit.

At the end of the day, we do what we must to survive. And that is hope.

These goals don't always align. And that's why we're here, upset, and angry. The veil has been torn. 8/8

Post Script: The American Dream is a lie. We are entitled to nothing, not even special Magic cards. Go read "The Great Gatsby".