My two bits: HL has been "leaning" this way for a few years now (shoving aside the loyal LE collector in favor of specialized giftware that caters to tourists) and - don't get me going! - it all started with the GLOWs...why would you buy a big clunky overdone light "station" with a 9-inch footprint and flimsy flagpole prone to breakage when a smaller, neater, cheaper, flashier, more accurate version sits right beside it? How can you prevent dealers from dumping their inventory on Ebay because it no longer flies off the shelves?

I still love the line and spend a LOT of cash at my fave dealer, and already have a few lights picked out for 2005 but the thrill of the hunt is pretty much gone now...one thing I am THRILLED about is that some of the "upper crust" that HL really listens to around here is FINALLY growing disenchanted and voicing their disapproval with the way things are going...I don't feel so alone anymore...