~~~ they're selling them, too... and that's the only reason they continue doing so.

What may appear to some of us as the same chips not being sold is not the case; they're being sold and replaced with others. This is a well known fact not only here in the US, but in France, Italy and in several South American flea markets... The "fact" part is that we see it from the comfort of our home without looking too far; right before our eyes.

Two quick examples:

The Reno Holiday $5 HCE is constantly being sold for above eBay levels at fleas in the US.

The common, first issue (1929) Palais de la Med are fetching very high prices in France when sold to Americans... and that material is out there in HUGE quantities.