the difference between paying top dollar for raymond vs. old villagers is that people have had memories with those old villagers. i feel like that’s why it’s less annoying because it’s more understandable and less about the hype. so yeah, to me it makes more sense or it justifies people paying lotsa bells or willing to give more nmts to get their old dreamies. not saying that raymond doesn’t make sense, ofc he’ll be expensive because rare & no amiibo, but the exploitation has gotten ridiculous at some point (2,500 nmts, $50 on ebay, etc)
that’s why it sticks out. no matter how you spin it (“i like his design” “i want him to give him the maid outfit”) paying ridiculous amount for someone new is just riding the hype.
though i’m not saying people can’t play how they want it or spend their money how they want it. that’s on them. lol. that was just my observation about the whole raymond thing.