aleks, cl is not unique, bought out a company who had already taken most of the profit from sales for P4 with only the promise of P5 in the works. They had been operating at a loss I'm sure until P5 came out - It will probably be a while yet before they completely did themselves out. 3ds is quite a different story - they have been very hewroic in my opinion - and who mentioned conspiracy? c1rcle, I don't forsee that happening, companies get top heavy as they get larger - the more you do the more you have to do. and when you take out public stock there is always the possibility of a takeover, the landsharks not always having the companies best interest at heart. both the customers and the employees end up getting screwed. reiss, The huge staff you mentioned is part of the problem for sure - but let me see "the books" then I may change my opinion - or not. also if 3ds reduced their price to say $1000.00, and streamlined the op they would probably have a much greater sales base. Hey let me CEO the place - I'd shake the place to the rafters . . . and beyond! * * * 3ds reminds me of the guy who day after day was selling an egg for $100,000.00 - when you ask him about the price he said, "but I've only gotta sell one." * * * and quit quoting my posts dag nam it! - use yer own words! - TJ