Rikki, don't praise either of those two guys; they can't handle it . Just kidding, every once in a while they hit the mark .

A very nice, well thought out post, as usual. I think your story may be more common than you might think. I also think you're probably right about the manufacturer's targeted market. However I still don't think they are even trying to reign in the youth market. A clue is their virtual absence in the big box showrooms (Musician's Friend, etc.) and the lack of sales training and customer seminars. I still think that if Europe, Asia, and South American markets didn't prop up sales, Arrangers would die a slow death (as some here have predicted).

chas