Jang has covered this exact topics multiple times in his videos, even comparing comparable sets from the 90s to their current counterparts. Sets like police stations, fire stations, etc.
When accounting for inflation, most sets fall in line with the pricing from decades ago, with the price actually being better nowadays. Saying that smaller parts should be cheaper is also an incorrect assertion.
People need to remember that .10 per piece is the "magic" number for great deals, it's not the defining number for what's considered acceptable. I see what you're saying, but when you consider its a collectible toy that typically appreciates in value and is just as consistent from one generation to the next, I'm okay with any premium they charge as long as it's within reason.
I like a good friendly debate.
I think that in general smaller parts should be cheaper is a correct assertion. Key part is in general when related to simple basic elements such as a 1x1 plate compared to a 1x4 plate. Complexity of mould and time it takes to produce are factors as well, but there is little information on those aspects.
- I think we can all agree that in terms of raw material more plastic costs more money.
- For elements where complexity is the same or similar, smaller (less plastic) is typically cheaper.
Evidence: Based on prices on PAB on S@H
Plates 1x?
1x1 - 0.10
1x2 - 0.10
1x3 - 0.10
1x4 - 0.15
1x6 - 0.20
1x8 - 0.25
1x10 - 0.25
2x2 - 0.15 (just tossing this one in for comparison)
Bricks 1x?
1x1 - 0.10
1x2 - 0.15
1x3 - 0.20
1x4 - 0.20
1x6 - 0.35
1x8 - 0.40
1x10 - 0.45
The biggest issue for comparison purposes is PAB has a built-in cost for selection of the elements (time + labor) which sets a minimum price of 0.10. This makes it difficult to assess the pricing for very small parts. However, we can determine size does matter.
- Without seeing the moulds and process, complexity of producing elements is very difficult to factor. If someone had the time, I'm sure that person would be able to determine a reasonable "complexity" factor for many elements using S@H PAB prices. Basically find elements with nearly identical weight and compare prices on PAB. Perhaps using a specific element as base weight and price.
Going back to Big Ben, I think it's safe to say many of the repeating elements are fairly simple moulds.
EDIT: Finally found one of the elements used in Big Ben on PAB. Was under decorative items and not plates special where I thought it would be. This is an example where smaller can be a bit pricier. 1x1 plate with the vertical tooth is more expensive than a much heavier 1x2 plate. This is a small repeating element in Big Ben that is not a simple mould to process. This made me think of another factor that we cannot know which is production volume. There is a cost associated with switching out moulds and also changing color of a mould. When color is changed, they have to bleed out all the old color from the systems.
(weight from Bricklink)
Design ID: 15070
Plate, Modified 1 x 1 with Tooth Vertical
0.25g
$ 0.15
Design ID: 49668
Plate, Modified 1 x 1 with Tooth Horizontal
0.29g
$ 0.10
Design ID: 3024
Plate 1 x 1
0.20g
$ 0.10
Design ID: 3023
Plate 1 x 2
0.36g
$ 0.10
