But PMDG did this from day one! Back when I purchased the original 600/700 NG (2002?) I then paid extra later for the 800/900 expansion that added significant functionality into all models. This is no different.

Just to add a minor detail. People don't appreciate being gouged either. Just as CS has lost some goodwill over its method of selling planes in pieces, PMDG has clearly touched a nerve with some people with their current pricing. The bottom line may get a lift in the short term, but the long term picture may not be as rosy, especially that some of the announced products will take months to materialize - if ever - given that Flight and X-Plane 10 may muddy the waters in the coming months.

But PMDG did this from day one! Back when I purchased the original 600/700 NG (2002?) I then paid extra later for the 800/900 expansion that added significant functionality into all models. This is no different.

Glenn, I am not arguing semantics here - the principal stands (that PMDG are using this type of breakdown financial model for their products). Whether PMDG did this from day one I cannot remember...(Actually I did purchase the original 737 600/700 - but that was all of the variations of that model, so you are right on that account, but when I purchased the J41 this was not an issue as there was obviously only one variation model... as was the Beach 1900D I purchased.) Ray

Just to add a minor detail. People don't appreciate being gouged either. Just as CS has lost some goodwill over its method of selling planes in pieces, PMDG has clearly touched a nerve with some people with their current pricing. The bottom line may get a lift in the short term, but the long term picture may not be as rosy, especially that some of the announced products will take months to materialize - if ever - given that Flight and X-Plane 10 may muddy the waters in the coming months.

Gouging doesnt apply to discretionary items ..... I

Actually getting back to the original 737 600/700 running on FS2002 (Someone correct me here?) I remember it was very good, but it seemed to me I only had it for a short while before FS2004 came out and we had to wait for a little while before a free patch made it run properly... then suddenly it was FSX and the transfer of the model across was not going to work at all . When you look at it like this (no fault to the Developers) this hobby as not that cheap - I mean from the cost of a real flying experience in a single engined VFR 1 hour flight.

In a way, I can understand that you have to pay extra if you ONLY want the -700. I, myself have no interest in the -600 and -900, however the 700 and 800 are widely flown here down under, so I will get the base pack, then later down the track, upgrade to the -700 package. With the strong dollar, I am hoping it gets stronger, or doesn't drop in the next couple of months so the package still remains cheap. However, each to their own, and I dont even think you can compare this to any other one on the market.

weak dollar, strong euro.

With the Aussie dollar being 110 US cents I'm sitting pretty. And if the US starts defaulting on its loans then I'll be sitting even prettier. However, I think what is interesting here is how the base package will actually increase by $5 after 1 to 2 months. I've never seen that pricing arrangement before (not counting those aircraft that get released half done with a promise that a full upgrade will be made available at a later date or pre-pay discounts). It's almost as if PMDG is saying here is a $5 discount for being PMDG's early adopter beta testers.

By Jove, I think you've got it.

I have no problem with pricing. And people have to make some money for their hard work!

I don't either. PMDG are masters at their craft, and their asking price is fair. However, I would like to expand on a point the OP made vis-a-vis PMDG's "marketing speak" on the topic of rolling out separate models. I could totally handle the following, which I'll wager is the truth: "We focused on the 737-800/900 as this was the variant we had access to. In order to not prolong release any further, we'll charge you an initial base price for the models we have ready and then charge you more for the work we've yet to complete in order to round out the family." This is effectively what happened so many years ago and, like so many years ago, they did incorporate new stuff when they released expansions. This is so much more palatable than some vague mention of giving us "choices" with these model packs. As the OP implies, if I must get through the -800 to get to the -700, then I do have a choice: pay more or don't participate. What is somewhat offputting to me is to dress up obvious constraints in their development schedule as "choices." I hardly have the option to "choose only the variants I'm interested in" under this scheme. Any of us even remotely discerning know we'll buy most of the deal (PMDG quality is unparalleled), but the manner in which the staggered rollout was explained left me cold. However, on the issue of price, PMDG can (and should) command top dollar, and top dollar is what I'll shell out for this in order to get at my precious (the -600).

Pay More Dollars Guys Not much more to say! Regards, Mike Mann

LOL, I'll leave you guys too it. I have had enough. I was actually pleasantly surprised this was announced at $69.99 in all honesty so with that in mind I will sign off this thread.....

All you have to do is simply raise your debt limit and wala, you have your plane. It works for our USA goverment..... not!

Maybe everyone complaining about PMDG's pricing model should fly more and complain less. It is what it is...

That's exactly what happened - someone linked that comment to me and I just assumed it was in our forum - sorry. We did do a Southwest 800 livery that will be available at release. SWA's first 800 is delivered in March of 2012, so it's not unrealistic.

I can hardly wait to fly this baby in Southwest colors HD style!

Maybe everyone complaining about PMDG's pricing model should fly more and complain less. It is what it is...

Interesting post ... In summary you are saying .. dont get involved, just put on your helmet and fly the shiny planes.

I was actually thinking it would be a lot more.So I think the price is very fair,considering this is probably the most detail FSX has ever seen in an aircraft addon. I don't think I''ll be a customer though since I fly GA Low and Slow.mostly

Interesting post ... In summary you are saying .. dont get involved, just put on your helmet and fly the shiny planes.

Mmm, helping to feed the homeless is getting involved. Complaining about a fixed price that is set is wasting time.