[voltaireodactyl]

FWIW residuals are all a result of union effort, so the market IS actually what’s allowing for/encouraging the residual structure. If the studios felt they could create similar products without the benefit of union workers (eg SAG, WGA, ACE, etc), they could easily break contract and start hiring from wherever they please, under whatever rates they agreed upon. Perhaps this current strike will end in just such a scenario, which would support what you’ve outlined in your comment here.