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On the Brickset, I did a compilation of my entire Lego collection (not an easy feat btw) and realized that I've spent at least a (sickeningly) $21k for around 900 sets (there's another 100 that wasn't accounted for by their tabulation mechanism).  I estimate that my total collection (if auctioned off) would sell for probably $30k.  That said, I've come to the unfortunate realization that I absolutely have to slow down my purchasing.

Well, the amount I've spent over the years wasn't the only indicator.  In recent years, the fact that Lego rarely produces anything original anymore also has made me increasingly selective over which products to purchase.  One of my biggest pet peeves is that Lego tends to re-produce sets with slight variations.  Like many of the Star Wars sets (which I've stopped collecting), the Fire/Police sets, castles and Harry Potter.  I don't think this would be as big of an issue.  However, the real problem is that the prices for these sets have shot up throughout the years.

It seems as though Lego wants you to spend no less than $50 - $100 per purchase.  The best sets, which tend to possess over 500+ pieces, tend to go for at least $90.  But even the medium sets these days are priced at a whopping $50!  Take for instance the new Police Bank set.  Back around 1998 or so, there was a similar set that went for $20.  Conceptually, both are the same.  However, the new one boost the part count up to 400.  Still, for what you get, $50 is ridiculous.

Worse yet, you hardly see small sets anymore.  The $2-10 ranged sets seem like they've disappeared.  Some of those sets were the best because they had great parts and would allow you to collect multiples to build complimentary sets.  But the thing is that you had that option, especially for the better ones.  Now, it seems only extremely pricey sets remain.

My other major complaint about Lego is that they just put out too damn much.  I've become quite apathetic to most of the sets in recent years.  I no longer feel compelled to go out and pick up every single set, especially knowing that more than likely a few will reappear in the next few years.  For instance, the dinosaur series.  Apparently, it made a comeback in 2010.  The exact same models were sold a few years prior, but didn't seem to do that well on the market.  Despite that, I still think the series stinks and not even worth spare parts at this stage.

I really miss the days when Lego would put out around 10-15 good sets per year that probably would cost you a total of $300-400.  It's sad that Lego has become this overtly greedy empire.  They still make great sets, but I have to wonder who their audience is anymore.