Victory Point Games acquires shark with laser; fires across GMT's bow

So Victory Point Games just announced they have purchased a laser cutting machine and are making counters so thick that they can be stood on  edge.  [VPG announcement]

Given that VPG recently had GMT release the de-luxe version of No Retreat!, I wonder if they decided to keep that money in the family.  The new, fancier games are called "Gold Banner" and for now they won't cost any more.  I plan to snap up as many as I can afford before they raise their prices.  It sounds like they will upgrade their existing quiver of games to the Gold Banner standard starting with their best sellers and games that are expecting expansions.  I'm personally hoping for Nemo's War, Dawn of the Zeds and Zulus on the Ramparts.

They also announced their plans for broader distribution, including Amazon fulfillment.  I'm looking forward to seeing Forlorn Hope with chunky counters for sale by Amazon for $25 with free shipping.  My overdraft account is trembling in fear.