Thanks everyone for your positive remarks! I guess I'm just an idealist, I want everyone to just get along
Unfortunately I feel like I have to respond to a few of the posts...
First of all, it's called pin TRADING. That means that Disney is encouraging guests to trade amongst themselves to collect the set.
Secondly, there was no communication regarding a limit on the first pin (Walt and Mickey). I've read everything in the store regarding pin trading at least twice, and there was nothing regarding any limits on any of the pins last weekend. As Suzi pointed out, there will be a limit on the last pin of 2 per person (the state flag pins).
Megashark, I'm surprised you decided against collecting the set. If you had REALLY wanted the set you would have been at the store before it opened. Everyone on these boards was aware that most stores received a limited supply.
And Luv2Roam - you are most correct in saying that it would be helpful if every store followed the same rules. Especially in this day and age when information can be shared so readily.
And now to address my "rationalization of a bad decision".
I'm the last person you'll see back down from a confrontational situation. My post wasn't intended to downplay the situation in the stores, but more to impress upon everyone the necessity of keeping things positive. The more complaints Disney hears, the more likely they are to say "too many complaints, let's just take away the pins in the stores altogether". They did it with watches (not that THAT was based on complaints, but rather to solve another issue. They still went against popular opinion and removed the watches from the stores).
Disney is in business to make money. They lost money on the Millennium pins by producing too many. Yes, they are losing money now by not having produced enough, but that's better than having produced too many. They are not limited - there is still the possibility that more pins will be produced and released in the future.
The pins from last week were designed and produced months ago. Disney is just now getting the message that the quantities were not sufficient. They have not yet had an opportunity to respond. Based on previous sales numbers, Disney thought they would meet the demand. Unfortunately they were wrong! Let's give them an opportunity to correct the mistake before we hang them out to dry.
I agree that constructive criticism should be presented to the store managers so that it may be sent up the communication chain. But as Hope said, it should be in a calm, constructive manner. No screaming at CMs allowed!