There is no reason for the Lionel bashing. Lionel is not the reason this has come to an end.
"While an option to continue the relationship was proffered, the renewal terms offered by Lionel for an extension beyond 2019 were not conducive for any future M.T.H. tinplate plans."
The market is no longer large enough to justify renewing the license. I'm sure Lionel would have been happy to take MTH's money.
Scott Smith