Are baseplates becoming a rare breed?

TheOrcKing · 2013-09-25T04:49:54.000Z

After some random research and browsing of certain sets (mainly City and modular houses), I noticed something a little discerning. A large lack of baseplates in any set at all anymore. For example, take a good look at the previous Fire Station in 2010. Aside from having a wierd floorplan, it used four baseplates of two different types. 16 x 16 baseplate with driveway & 8 x 16 baseplate Now take a look at this year's Fire Station . Less wierd floorplan but the structure is more odd and absolutely no baseplates used. Everything is thick three 16 x 16 plates and a single 8 x 16 plate. I don't know about you but for $100 I expect some actual baseplates to help justify the cost. Another example, the Police Station from 2011. One big 32 x 32 baseplate (driveway) and a 16 x 32 baseplate. Heck, even another example of a much smaller baseplate; Bank & Money Transfer also from 2011. One small 8 x 16 baseplate but still a baseplate all the same. Actually anymore it seems as though the modular houses are the only sets with a baseplate included. I'm trying to figure out why the sudden change overall? I mean, normal sets (even the big expensive ones) are not using the classic system of baseplates aside from modular houses. This is why it feels like baseplates are for some reason becoming a rare breed and I find that frustrating especially when it comes to building a cityscape. Sure I can still buy the 32 x 32 green or blue baseplate from Shop-at-home but it's not really the same though is it? What do I do to get a 16 x 32 baseplate or any other one? I also find it frustrating because it appears like I would have to buy a $150 modular house to get a baseplate in a set. That's ridiculous.