Well put, Pincrazy. It's very sad that some folks are out to profit from our fun hobby
This story has finally hit officially, now that it's in print and with interviews. It was a rumor going around for awhile this past year.
Seemed the past holiday popcorn containers, DLR's remedy was to have an endless supply. For Halloween the cauldron didn't seem to sellout, and the LGM for Xmas seems to be still around.
I find when Disney cracks down or changes anything, it's a direct response to complaints by the public. When a complaint is logged, and enough of them, it seems to trigger an action on their part so they have a response.
Sadly what was easier, convenient, and logical is now a hassle or deterrent. We forget our identy is not private nor our actions especially in the Happiest Place. It works both ways for what we expect from Disney.
Not sure for other Disney collectibles, but for pin's sake, I'm hoping that they can become reasonable traders again? Maybe too hopeful, but if pins can trade at ratios of wants/haves, LE#, or not on a sliding $$$ amount maybe it can become a fun hobby again? Instead I interpret it as a grab fest of I've got it, you don't, and mine is worth more.....and then I enthusiastically say "congrats, you have a nice pin, glad you were lucky to get it"