> I loved that Lego was even units so you could end up having two things half way across your universe pretty much line up perfectly, or require just a few adjustments.
This fact is extremely under-appreciated: the Lego system works the way it does because they have attained truly astounding tolerance control in a cheap injection-molding process. I remember a couple of years ago when a small startup promised a Lego-like replacement, but themed for girls. The hype got them plenty of sales, but the poor fit of the pieces meant lots of disappointed customers.
Build quality was part of the thing. As a kid you felt it a little bit. As an adult it makes them a value item. It's not just toy to pretend, it's deeper.
This fact is extremely under-appreciated: the Lego system works the way it does because they have attained truly astounding tolerance control in a cheap injection-molding process. I remember a couple of years ago when a small startup promised a Lego-like replacement, but themed for girls. The hype got them plenty of sales, but the poor fit of the pieces meant lots of disappointed customers.