Would you rather be playing Dungeons and Dragons, or have mad cow disease?
My nonsense SNL reference is a vain attempt to deflect from the (now settled) price controversy.
I guess the non-Will Ferrell inspired question I'd ask is: Do we even need a new Starter Set? Considering:
1) We have two pretty well-received ones already.
2) We have two others that are media tie-in to get fans outside the hobby.
3) There's a forthcoming new edition/revision.
Without knowing much about the upcoming release, I think I can make only the following observations:
1) While we're not the target audience, most of us on this board likely don't need a new Starter Set. (Though new presentation, occasional new rules options, adventures, etc., might be exciting. And we might enjoy buying the product as a gift - like I bought the first one for my nephew as a birthday present several years ago.)
2) If you're a potential new player (or someone outside the hobby buying the set on a whim), what could this set offer that the others do not? (It's not like new players are tired of Phandelver or Icespire Peak. Additionally, there's the danger of a new Starter Set confusing retailers and shoppers who aren't really familiar with the game.) ["A Super Nintendo? We already have a Nintendo at home."]
Obviously bringing in new players is a worthwhile endeavor for the bestselling TTRPG. And perhaps my age/bias/etc. is showing, but I'd like to see Wizards direct effort and products to filling the gaps that exist in 5e before closing the book on this edition (which is going to be coming eventually, whether or not in 2024), just for the sake of completion.
What do we still not have?
1) More than one adventure that explores higher level play.
2) Some of the "staple" campaign settings.
So, yeah, I think the idea of yet another Starter Set is as absurd as eating the moon made of BBQ ribs.
