meh,
part of my rationale is that this is not some Brilliantly Clever New Idea.
rather, Sam's marketing people have finally reached the conclusion that the massive initial costs in changing over their manufacturing, delivery, and retail displays for this new style of bottle are finally justifiable because consumer rejection has reached the proper low threshold to make the switch cost-effective.
so sure, this particular case onlyrevolves around the packaging of milk.. but the exact same cost-analysis now occurs in institutions across the board.
schools eliminate recess & extra-curriculars and base entire educational policies upon federal financial incentives. banks and other service providers streamline customer assistance as well as security measures, eliminating the costly (and "imperfect!") human element wherever possible. we pave over & consolidate family farmland, making way for cheap suburban development & massive commercial feedlots.
but hey, lower taxes & fees for all!
the
precedent represented here is what i find alarming.. the spoonfeeding of trends from these corporate giants that we all seem so ready&willing to accept as our own.