Interesting discussion. And one that's not likely to dissipate anytime soon.
Here are two basic points to consider:
1) Everyone who paints will be represented in the Postcard set's Artist Bio Cards, whether it's 5 or 50.
2) Limiting the number of postcard sets is a decision Topps made based on customer feedback. It the only way to ensure that most people that want sets, get sets.
Given these two things, there's no way to make any guarantees for completing a set of artist cards. But at least, it encourages trading and hopefully, the people with extras will offer these at a reasonable price to forum members. We have to rely on goodwill here.
On a related topic, I've given lots of thought to the best way to offer postcard sets, one of them being an advance notice to mailing list members. The problem with this idea is that anyone who wants to join the mailing list is welcome, whether they're collectors, dealers or something in between. So, unfortunately, we'll probably always have those people who try to flip a bunch of sets. In my opinion, the only way to control it is to block those individuals caught buying more than the allotted number of sets (no easy feat, since most buyers have family and friends they can ask). Someday,we may find the perfect balance but for now, we have to rely on collectors to report anyone (that they can prove!) is abusing the system.
As always, I welcome your suggestions and I'll be reporting on the upcoming set soon -- hopefully, before Halloween!
I'd previously given up on a sketch of each title, and I've now given up on a sketch per artist, and I don't think I'm alone there. My first suggestion is to NOT use identical, unsealed envelopes for the regular series. Coincidence or not, none of the 'sealed' sets I bought aftermarket yielded a Parisi sketch, let alone a Lynch sketch.
I also think the bio cards are exacerbating the situation with the set flippers - with individual bio cards going for $20 apiece as they were last time, a seller with dozens of limited sets makes up his costs on those alone, and everything else is pure profit, even if the flipper gets a less-valued sketch. I'd like to see the bio cards go back to a set in each postcard set. I realize this might be a problem cost-wise, but I'd much rather pay an extra few bucks per set to Topps than to just reward people who are buying 50 or more sets and scalping us.
I will try to NOT buy anything on ebay this time, but it's tough when you're wondering if it will come up again later at a more reasonable price. Hopefully it will be easier for me this time, as I know I'll never get the two sketches for the last set, and so my 'completing' goals are now much lower than they were before.
Still, I'm very excited about the new set, and I'm eagerly anticipating some great new Wackys!! I will continue to support the Topps releases, and I really hope I can order some sets!