I have to apologize to single out this one post from over a month ago, but it engulfs me with anger. I'm sorry, but I refuse to to agree with your statement.
First of all, the light grey barrel pieces from Harley Davidson are absolutely not going to be decreased in price. I see no reason for it to happen anytime soon, regardless of how fabulous that would be for the AFOL community as a whole.
I do not see why you would need to be anxious particularly about this, as other parts have become much rarer in quantity as well as quality.
Second of all, LEGO is wise. How else could they build this billion dollar empire that is richer than the country it is residing in. I understand your logic, yes, but I don't understand how you came to that thought in the first place.
Has become LEGO wise? Did become LEGO wise? Which is it? Ordering special parts and the recognition of doing so is exactly what LEGO has been doing since the 1990s when the LEGO catalogue was invented to let people order special parts.
However, isn't it much better to buy entire sets instead of a single piece? Especially if it''s the same price? I get that you may have the same fun playing with one brick as opposed to an official MOC, but the majority of AFOLs do not.
Regardless, I hope this clarifies it all.