I think multiple SKUs could be one of the big mistakes of this generation besides over pricing. Like others have said it's confusing. Also, it makes people wonder if another newer/better/cheaper model is around the corner. Combine that with constant price cutting and you condition consumers to wait instead of just buying right now.

If a consumer knows there will only be one model through the forseeable future and no price cuts, there is no reason to wait.

It does.  None of the big 3 'subtract' one from their numbers when it's sold back.

REally?? deeeeg no wonder the 360 sales are so high all those RRod consoles returned and rebought...

Instead of crying on a forum that you were too stupid to check, here is what you can do:

Keep/Buy a PS2 for cheap
Return the damn thing

 LMBO. Seriously people have never heard of asking questions or doing research? It's really not that confusing. 

What's the point of this thread? To point out that some consumers are idiots and don't do any research before plopping down $400? To point out that the low end model of both the 360 and ps3 aren't BC?

It seems like some people are making a mountain out of a molehill in another lame attempt to bash the ps3.

Actually makingmusic, while the thread may have begun by pointing out that many consumers are ill-informed as to the features the 40gb PS3 is missing, it quickly moved on to an examination of the ways in which Sony contributed to this lack of understanding. Namely, by constantly crowing about the benefits of BC and how it is a standard across Sony consoles, before barely mentioning that it will be removed from the 40gb SKU, save for a small, inconspicuous indicator on the back of the box.

 I was just explaining why i thought BC was important and should be standard.  I don't really consider someone a real gamer unless they still don't play atleast 1 older generation console they own.  Otherwise your just someone who likes new games.

There is a difference between appreciating gaming and appreciating games in my opinion.  To those who think having a PS3 doesn't suddenly invalidate every PS2 game they own(Or 360, or wii for that matter should they get rid of BC), the kind of people that like to collect and keep games instead of trade them all in after they beat them... backwords compatability is VERY important because people have limited space. 

Well that and the PS2 is a shoddy product and i can't wait to have a nice sturdy PS3 to keep my PS2 games going so that i don't have to find a working PS2 on ebay when the PS5 comes out.

Like my trusty NES. (And Atari, and Balley for that matter.) 

^^I tend to sell all the games I don't play anymore when I buy a new system to help offset the cost, only keeping my faves. Only exception was my poor SNES, which broke, and I sold 90% of my games for it--too young and stupid at the time to realize I could just buy another one. But yeah, I still fire up the ol' N64 every now and then for some Smash Bros, Mario Party and Goldeney MP fun. Or at least I would if I had it with me in my dorm room.