In any given kit the ratio of custom pieces to generic pieces is still favorable. As a random sample check out the parts inventory of this kit [1] from Lego's S

In any given kit the ratio of custom pieces to generic pieces is still favorable. As a random sample check out the parts inventory of this kit [1] from Lego's Star Wars: Clone Wars system. When you sort by quantity, you see the vast majority of parts are generic wedges, blocks, and plates. Browse around the site, you'll see the same is true for any set over 50 pieces. The idea that you "can't take it apart to build something different," is a little ridiculous, it isn't a model airplane. I take it you haven't played with any of the modern kits. I encourage you, if you enjoyed lego as a kid, to buy a couple and see for yourself. The model on the box is more polished, but the building blocks are very much the same. 1. http://www.peeron.com/cgi-bin/invcgis/inv/sets/7752-1?PagerSortDir=r&PagerSortCol=Qty http://www.peeron.com/cgi-bin/invcgis/inv/sets/7752-1?PagerS...