If you use Bricklink to confirm set inventories...

[MAB]

Yah, I do not understand that change at all. I don't see what the problem was keeping these pieces as extras. Just because they were originally on a sprue with another pat that was used in the set, they are now classed as being a required part of the set even though they are not used.

[62Bricks]

16 minutes ago, MAB said:

Yah, I do not understand that change at all. I don't see what the problem was keeping these pieces as extras. Just because they were originally on a sprue with another pat that was used in the set, they are now classed as being a required part of the set even though they are not used.

Actually, they are not considered part of a complete used set. That's the problem - Bricklink now has contradictory definitions of what an "extra" part is.

As for why they made the change, I think it's because they want to encourage the growth of the big sellers who part out new sets in large numbers, so they want the regular item section to match the actual contents of the box as it comes off the shelf. So they decided that parts on sprues and multi-packs (the little separate bags with tools or accessories) should be considered "regular" parts so the part-out sellers don't have to split them up.

And either they did not realize the effect this would have on the sellers of used sets, or they knew and didn't care. Either way, it's pretty clear that Bricklink is prioritizing the large sellers of new bricks over collectors and sellers of vintage parts.

[BrickG]

This is a dumb change. Plain and simple. They need to get their heads out of their butts.

[Aanchir]

I dunno, I think that the previous way of determining what counted as "extra" (in other words, what parts are used on the model itself) could be kind of nonsensical in its own right. For example, the Hero Cores used to be listed as "extras" for the 2012–2013 Hero Factory villain sets, because they were not used on the model. However, the Hero Cores are not only included in the official set inventories from the back of the instruction manuals and on LEGO Customer Service, but they are advertised on the packaging of the sets in question! So to treat them like they're no more important to the set than a spare 1x1 round plate or Technic pin is ludicrous.

And there are many similar instances in which a part NOT used in the actual build is still an important part of the set's inventory, like bonus masks or collectibles from LEGO Bionicle sets, alternate minifigure hair/headgear in themes like Ninjago, the "60 Years" anniversary tiles from many of last year's Classic sets, additional rounds of shooter ammo in any number of sets/themes, and so on.

Even with some of those older sets, there are examples where one or more elements from sprues were not used in the "main" build, but DID appear in alternate, combination, or inspiration builds depicted on the set's packaging, such as 6021 Jousting Knights or 6044 King's Carriage. The former even is labeled with the disclaimer that "models pictured can be built individually" — but if you bought a set that BrickLink listed as "Used, complete with box, no extra parts", then there are some of those models pictured on the box that you COULDN'T build accurately without versions of the feather not used in the main model.

Needless to say, simply defining extras as any parts that remain "loose" after you finish building the model according to the instructions opens a huge can of worms. Even if this blanket definition makes things easier for resellers, since those types of parts are among the most likely to have gotten lost or separated from the set over the years, it seems like it'd be better to avoid all these other complications when the sets were often made and marketed with the understanding that they'd include parts besides what was in the main build.

[TeriXeri]

As far as extras go, there seems to be a pattern in most cases, however still not guaranteed for each part type.

The most common extras I got nearly guaranteed are 1x1 plates/tiles, certain technic parts and cheese slopes/pyramid. 

Also something like an advent calendar seems to have extra 1x1 sized pieces in each individual bag.

Magazine gifts don't seem to have any extras at all.

 

Edited May 26, 2019 by TeriXeri

[62Bricks]

20 hours ago, Aanchir said:

I dunno, I think that the previous way of determining what counted as "extra" (in other words, what parts are used on the model itself) could be kind of nonsensical in its own right. For example, the Hero Cores used to be listed as "extras" for the 2012–2013 Hero Factory villain sets, because they were not used on the model. However, the Hero Cores are not only included in the official set inventories from the back of the instruction manuals and on LEGO Customer Service, but they are advertised on the packaging of the sets in question! So to treat them like they're no more important to the set than a spare 1x1 round plate or Technic pin is ludicrous.

And there are many similar instances in which a part NOT used in the actual build is still an important part of the set's inventory, like bonus masks or collectibles from LEGO Bionicle sets, alternate minifigure hair/headgear in themes like Ninjago, the "60 Years" anniversary tiles from many of last year's Classic sets, additional rounds of shooter ammo in any number of sets/themes, and so on.

Even with some of those older sets, there are examples where one or more elements from sprues were not used in the "main" build, but DID appear in alternate, combination, or inspiration builds depicted on the set's packaging, such as 6021 Jousting Knights or 6044 King's Carriage. The former even is labeled with the disclaimer that "models pictured can be built individually" — but if you bought a set that BrickLink listed as "Used, complete with box, no extra parts", then there are some of those models pictured on the box that you COULDN'T build accurately without versions of the feather not used in the main model.

Needless to say, simply defining extras as any parts that remain "loose" after you finish building the model according to the instructions opens a huge can of worms. Even if this blanket definition makes things easier for resellers, since those types of parts are among the most likely to have gotten lost or separated from the set over the years, it seems like it'd be better to avoid all these other complications when the sets were often made and marketed with the understanding that they'd include parts besides what was in the main build.

All good reasons why a simpler, consistent definition is needed. Sellers of used sets might not like it, but the simplest solution would seem to be that a complete set includes everything that was in the box, whether it was "left over" or not.

Unfortunately, the approach of the Bricklink admins is mostly in the direction of making things more complex, not more simple. It should surprise nobody that the Lego hobby attracts people who are really into complex systems. But sometimes simple is best.

[MAB]

Things have become even worse:

Take a look at this part: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=6049732#T=S&C=0&O={"color":0,"rpp":"500","iconly":0}

 

This is now a part in a set (well, six sets)

containing ...

 

Sets no longer contain the rubber belt, they contain a belt in a cardboard sleeve.

 

What is this new part's name?

LegoCardboard Sleeve for Sets 60052, 60225, 60226, 60228, 60229, 70790

That will need to be updated for every new set that contains this common part.

And for sellers wanting to sell parts not parts inside a cardboard sleeve, then parting out just got harder to do.