Electronic gadgetry doesn't have to become obsolete. It can be made upgradeable. That is what Lionel is doing and I applaud that.
For those that want inexpensive basic trains, there is plenty of traditional Flyer and American Models product on the market. I am sure Lionel will still have some basic traditional offerings going forward as well. But the market isn't going to grow by offering traditional models. The only way to gain more market share is to offer more scale Hi-tech offerings. Just look at 3rail O for example. The best model of a GE hybrid that exists in any scale IMHO is the Lionel model. It is choke full of Hi-tech features and is as scale as they come (Except for the obvious couplers/flanges).
I do agree with the starter set idea. I expect we will see Lionel (and MTH) address this soon.
