I agree that having the option to get these super detailed accessories is nice and does make more detailed models possible. However, I do have some concerns which I am unsure how to feel about. The first is the cost that all of this adds to the hobby. For those with the means, this isn't a problem, or at least less so. For those without the means, or with reduced capacity to pay, these options may not be available. To a certain extent this has always been the case with many things in life. But with modeling, as more and more of these details are provided and used, the expectation goes up that a model is less than complete unless it uses them. In the current contest environment, I think this could lead to non-consideration in the judging (even if only subconsciously). And for those who don't do contests, maybe a reluctance to share their work because they feel that they cannot meet expectations. It's true that what is considered incomplete by one modeler may not make a bit of difference to another, but for some modelers, this lack of concern may not be part of their makeup, meaning that they either spend the extra money, or they get discouraged and maybe even drop out of the hobby. I've noticed a trend with some modelers to prefer the older kits instead of the newer more detailed kits and the aftermarket accessories. I cannot say whether this is the result of a "stick in the mud" mindset, a lack of ability to pay, a fear of not being good enough, it's complement, a fear of messing up an expensive kit, or a genuine desire to do everything themselves. Like you said, I think these new details (or improved older technologies), are probably a good thing overall. But I do wish it were possible to make it less costly. So this is why I am unsure how to feel about this. I will say, that I do like the approach we are starting to see more of, which offering "basic", "mid level", and "advanced" versions of the same kit as long as what is not included in the basic kits has an acceptable alternative. There needs to be more exploration of this approach to see how kits can be structured to improve the modeler's choices and experience. But it is a good thing if it makes models available at lower costs.
