Though I can't profess to know the economics behind the LE chip prices, I DO know that I Like to collect the ones that mean something to me, or are just "cool".

That doesn't prevent me from also collecting the "real" casino chips.

Why does the existence of LE chips impact the non-LE part of the hobby? I suppose it might distract those of us that might be spending a given amount that we have for chip purchases - causing us to "waste money" on LE chips, leaving less money to pay for the "real" chips.

Still...Personally, I like the LE chips I collect. For different reasons than the "real" chips I also collect. But also for many of the same reasons. They all have some value to me.

But then I'm in it for the "sport", not as my livelihood...so my perspective might be a tad different about low prices ;)