....that for some new collectors, quantity and variety are most important when they're starting out.

Getting a large number of chips in varying molds, conditions and from different locations helps them decide what they really want to collect, or if they even want to stick with the hobby. Buying groups of chips like this gives them a chance to do this.

You say "collect what you like". For some new collectors, they don't know what they want to collect yet, so what they "like" is quantity and variety.

I bought plenty of junk when I was starting out, and I'm sure I still buy lots of chips you would call junk. But EVERY CHIP has its history and can be just as fascinating to look at, research and collect. I would think you of all people would understand that.

When I was starting out, I would much rather have 8 chips with 8 different stories in my hand than $11 that couldn't buy one "quality" chip.

For most collectors there will be plenty of time for quality later, once they have learned to recognize it and not overpay for it.