The problem with going into panic mode over being undersold is that those who are buying this remote on cheap wouldn't use a CI in the first place. And those customers who want to save $10 on something are the kind of customers to avoid like the plague. They take more of your time than the clients who'll lay down the dollars -- and they're usually bigger dinks when they do it. If they are that concerned about saving $25, why on earth would we think they're going to spring for an extra $200 on programming?

Unfortunately, distribution theories have changed with the advent of the internet. Attempting to restrict the supply pushes this kind of consumer to another brand. I guess you could argue that URC is diluting the products image, but most consumers have no clue to begin with. If you present them with a remote you're selling for $400, they'll think it turns things into gold.

Like Mike said, the margin on these is razor thin in the first place. You're not making money selling the 850, you're making money selling a solution. To quote tweeterguy: "It's all about how you present the package and the benefits."