Ben,
"be happy"?? Lionel doesn't make Flyer just to be nice to us S guys/gals; they make it to make MONEY. If they want to sell more, then promote more, and promote so folks can see what a wonderful item they (are going to) make. The idea that people are going to "line up" to spend money on something they've never really seen is a bit far-fetched, but it does happen! They say the Polar Express is selling well for them, well, of course--you order it and it comes, and many other folks have them and talk about them and show them to their friends. I don't know how much longer it will be so popular, but notice "the ride" it is getting.
I also think their "starter sets" would sell even more if they did a run with the slope-back tender 0-6-0 engines. that is an engine that, priced right, I'll bet many folks would purchase as it can be so many different things, Yard switcher, shortline engine, logging engine and not many of the ACG made ones are around.
