I never said anything about a conspiracy plot to mind control anyone. I actually agree with what you're saying, we're probably just saying it in different ways. I do get the need to control overstock and the hype to drive sales, but I think in many cases they seem to grossly underestimate the sales they're going to make, and if this is something that continues to happen, it makes me suspicious that there's more at work here than just controlling inventory. Maybe not with this particular collection, it's a holiday collection and not attached to a big name, but RiRi, Marilyn, Hello Kitty, etc. This has been happening for a while, so while MAC can claim they're listening to customers, the recent RiRi launches have said to me that they either are trying and failing or not trying at all, between the inventory and the waiting room. My take on it is the latter, especially since no matter what, people who really want will buy, regardless of how MAC is treating them. That's just the way it is, and the execs at MAC/Estee Lauder know this. They can't even get a simple email right stating whether or not the pro discount is available.
I'm not stressed over this collection or punk couture, but I can see where you're coming from. However "growing pains" for a company that's more than 20 years old, is like meh. How difficult can it be? I need MAC to do better.
ETA - I do want to thank you though for the swatches and your thoughts on the collection, it's much appreciated here. I don't want you to think I'm coming for you or anything, I honestly think we're saying sort of the same thing. I just think you're willing to give them a little more slack. I just get really upset at bad customer service.