RE: Discontinued Kits
How about this for an alternative. When a company chooses to discontinue a kit, make the kit design and parts templates public domain. This way, the kits can be continued by those willing to cut their own parts, or for kit cutters to offer. I doubt this will ever happen, but it sounds good. Or, more realistically, if they sell or license the rights and tooling at a low enough price for others to continue the line.
Scott