[rickdangerous1]

There is a bigger picture problem here. With the move to cross licensing movie tie in Lego sets, many kids only experience of Lego is building Pirates of the Caribean pirate ships, instead of the more engineering focused experiences. What I'm saying is, even Lego isn't Lego anymore (to a large degree).

[DanBC]

I do miss the free form play of Lego. I feel a bit sad that there are so many special use bricks. But I underestimate the ability of children to play - I'm confidant that they'll happily turn that boat into something else.

I've been wanting to stock up on Lego kits for when my boy is old enough to enjoy it. I'd prefer to buy from a real local toy shop.

I want big box sets of mixed bricks; mixed sizes shape and colours. I'd only need a few kits with plans, the rest I'd prefer to be free-form play.

It's much easier for me to buy this stuff second hand and then wash it than it is for me to buy it new. I don't think I'm an unusual edge case.

I can buy this stuff online. But I feel a bit sad that local toyshops are dying. I do tell them what I'm looking for. None of them have offered to order the stuff in for me.

[lomegor]

I don't think that's the biggest picture. I think that's important too, but it's another problem in a different subset.