Jay

bicker

Rumors abound. Some are that this will (eventually, though in the short-term) bring about an end to the availability of such boxes, while others project that this will finally open the door to higher quality and higher-end boxes.

Aaron62

Only thing I would add is, if the higher quality and higher-end boxes rumor was true, what's kept them from being on the market until now? I doubt that it's because of the coupon program.

bicker

Indeed that is the cause. The coupon program provided an artificially-strong market for arguably "broken" boxes, thereby undercutting the market for better boxes. Too many people were provided too much incentive to buy a "broken" box for $20 (+$40 coupon), versus spending $80 for a box that is 33% better. The vast majority of people wouldn't spend four times as much for something that is only one-third better. Instead, now, with the coupon program history, they will have a choice between spending $60 for the "broken" box, and spending $80 for the box that is 33% better. Many people will pay one-third more to get something that is one-third better.