Originally posted by Tripbrad I see from the detailed response that this horse has been beaten to death. And the thread should be closed until the 2nd quarter 2013 in a wait and see mode. Ned, or the Bosses Back in Japan, shouldn't have to experience any more negative feedback. Why not? Why shouldn't they hear what their customers are continuing to say? Might it affect a more positive outcome sooner? From the well laid out response, probably not. But, it can't hurt, can it? Might even have some small benefit to provide Pentax continued feedback so they might, might just listen up? I'd rather continue providing them reminders than going silent until 2nd quarter 2013. I understand your frustration with less knowledgeable and informed persons, but, truly, you don't need to read the feedback on this topic and waste your time responding in the future. I meant no offense.
The dilema I see is, what exactly is a "positive outcome", and for whom? For you - the only positive outcome is having the lower prices back. For some people, a positive outcome means they get more value from better QC & warranty. For others, a positive outcome is decent pricing and having more hands-on exposure to Pentax products. Maybe some people want to see Pentax grab a larger market share so they can produce more & broader product. For some retailers, its about having a level playing field through controlled prices. For others, its about removing the grey market competition. Etc. etc.
And then there is what really matters - what PENTAX considers to be a positive outcome for Pentax!
I really tend to think Pentax gave this whole UPP some thought. Would Ned, or even those guys actually driving the ship back in Japan, think ANYONE would be happy about having to pay more for a lens? Does anyone really think they would be surprised to hear (incessantly) from customers complaining about 'the recent price increase'? Or that they might not have considered sales will take a hit in the US? Does everyone consider that maybe the old Pentax business model in the US wasn't all that successful - for Pentax? Does anyone really think there are no good reasons for doing whatever it is they do (even though you might not agree, or understand them)?
I would bet your life that, when ALL things were considered, Pentax has not done anything they thought would not be better in the long run...for Pentax.
You can agree or not agree. You can believe or not believe. You can understand or not. You can complain or not.
And certainly you can have the last word by simply choosing to pay more - or not. I think Pentax knows that too.