In all fairness (and in a spirit of mediation!)
The first sets were labeled as "Playmobil System" to show their interconnectivity and expansion potentials.
In fact, Herr Brandstatter expressed his surprise the newer sets were a different construction system! He didn't even know what his own company was doing (they did not inform him or ask or consult about changes being done!).
Parents have actually complained in the past about the numbers of small pieces and how they get lost easily!
I guess a company doesn't want to potentially lose business by telling a parent they should be more responsible and to actually teach that to their children. The "customer is always right" syndrome (which, of course, defies rational thought.)
i appreciate your thoughts, wesley. thank you for sharing them. i was unaware of your anecdote that herr brandstatter was unaware of structural changes to playmobil. was that in the transition from steck to system x or with the more recent introduction of this 'clip' system?
i think we're all on the same page as to the direction playmobil has gone with their structures over the years; perhaps it can even feel like a betrayal, but i'm continually inspired by the work i see on these boards and it's a constant reminder to me that whatever systemic changes are implemented by playmobil, folks here crack the playthings open and push the limits of playmobil's closed system through customization and reinvention.
in our household, we put a lot of natural emphasis on old fashioned play and couldn't imagine it any other way but i don't want to privilege our way over that of other parents. i know that even the most modest of means and slightest luxury of time makes all of the difference in how and what people are able to play with.
nunney