The way I see it is that his test was slightly valid on the old track; children who want the new engines may not want the new track. This lack of compatibility will decrease the play value, as the prices of these new sets and engines may also drive away potential consumers; paying nearly $20.00 U.S. for an engine, two trucks, and no track is absolutely absurd for me. To compare it, I spent $15.00 U.S. getting a HiT Toys TrackMaster Hector; granted it came with a stock standard Thomas, it was the engine, Hector, a coach, and three half-straights of track. My parents were both thoroughly pleased with the deal, as TOMY USA was something of the same in competition. Fisher-Price simply sells engines by themselves for a whopping $13.88 + tax, and the "Greatest Moments" for $16.99 + tax with no track in sight.
Residential train-afficionado in training, and Thomas & Friends fan.