For you "old timers", (
), regarding the old GEs... IMHO I think that's like reminiscing about the good ol' days. "Back then, we got to play in the lake...now it's a parking lot."
The thing is, things evolve. Whether it's for the better or not, you can't go back and recreate things when something set. We can make changes, but the GE will never go back to tons and tons of people only spending a few dollars.
Even with a cap, I don't think it'll go back to that. Things are too set now - the smilebox, babytalk, clues...and even then those won't last and something else will be introduced. I don't participate in those that I don't like, but they are there and not everyone is going to stop. It's just the evolution of things.
I think the reason why we have this poll is to help with future GEs. Reminiscing is just fine (human nature, after all
) but I think we shouldn't focus on what was and instead what can be.
Cathy, thank you for suggesting another amount! That's what Terri was trying to get out of those who voted for yes to a cap, but not sure what it should be (if I'm wrong, please let me know!).
I've been a proponent of no cap, but someone above mentioned something about you'll be surprised with what you can do by spending $35 (could be wrong on the amount). It's true - and so tough! You can definitely stretch it as long as you put some thought into it. It would be interesting to maybe have one designated GE (maybe the 2nd of the year? One after the holidays since wallets are tight?) and have the $40 minimum actually be the maximum.
Maybe it would be complicated, but it would change things up.