I don't think that a $150 LC starter set is aimed at the same market as a $375 LC+ steam loco.
I think that's probably true. Most parents aren't spending $700 or so (LC+ engine, cars, T&T) to get a train for an 8-year-old. The LC+ engines are fairly costly, and are sophisticated enough to satisfy many adult operators. Remote control, sounds, great cruise control, smooth runners and powerful pullers, good smoke units, new developments being made available like add-on powered B units, with smoke, for the upcoming F units, etc.
I know there are a LOT of adult operators (myself included) who run them and really enjoy them, and this is especially true for the majority of operators - being those with modest-sized layouts - who welcome a selection of more traditional-sized command-controlled engines. This is particularly the case now that Postwar Celebration and LionMaster engines have mostly faded from the scene.
If I had to guess, it would be that the vast majority of LC+ engines have been purchased by adult operators.
