That’s one problem with capitalism. Quality tends to decline, especially if a product ends up in the commodity category. My favorite example is styrofoam cups for hot beverages. They got cheaper and cheaper in quality to the point that when you picked up a full cup, it collapsed and spilled hot liquid all over your hand.
But then capitalism to the rescue. Starbucks popularized the stiff cardboard cup, which doesn’t have that problem, and probably is easier on the environment (though they probably increased the number of disposed of cups a thousand-fold). And little corrugated rings were needed to help keep the heat away from your hand.
Oh, well.
Edited quote to include only the relevant sentence.
