Lionel is listening, though moving slowly. If you want S scale to grow, you have got to encourage new people to become involved with S, if there is no expansion or a tiny market, the manufacturers will produce little or endless reruns.
From what I see, the Berks were well received (along with the Polar Express) and FlyerChief. I don't think they expected some of it to do so well and if it continues, they will produce more new product.
Price point is way below O Scale and not much more than HO for Flyerchief. It is also easy to set up and operate along with compatibility with varied systems. This could and should drive the S market.
Constantly harping about systems and lack of product scare people away, who would expand the market and once again, the manufactures would dare to expand the product line.
Am I exuberant over the offerings? No, but I see progress and if it continues, we'll all be happy.
I've said it before, I'll say it again, you get more flies with honey than vinegar.
Francine