To answer the original question, it may have slowed me down but it hasn't stopped me. There was a period (about 2010 -2103) when I was not buying anything but some the models coming out now are irresistible. (I think 2008-2013 was when Lionel talked about making models that were "compelling;" now, I think they are actually making models that live up to that description.) Two examples: Lionel's PRR N5/N5b cabin cars and GLa hopper cars - faithfully replicated and beautifully executed. I am looking forward to Lionel's models of the Broadway Limited cars. IMHO, the Lion Chief locomotives and sets offer high quality performance at a price that makes them a good value.
"But exactly where is the "new tooling" in the Vision Line GG-1 that warrants a $1399 MSRP and $1190 MAP?"
It seems to me new tooling is seen in the "Rivets" version and in the Amtrak model with the high air intakes. I feel the flashing LEDs on the pantographs are gimmicky things that fail to capture the nature and drama of actual sparking. Lionel would have done better to raise the bar with the pantographs by actually raising them - that is, extending their reach at the top end as seen in videos at various locations with high catenary including Greenwich Yard at the Philadelphia Army-Navy games. (Bachmann has captured this aspect of prototype fidelity in their HO GG1 models.) But it's a minor nitpick and we now have "Rivets" and the high air intake GG1 models which I didn't think we'd ever see.
