Of course. But when you’re buying in bulk it’s easy to get those additional points. The cranks and cassette are the big ones here that will bring the eagle gruppo to lower end builds. The previous 11sp gruppos, gx vs nx, at least had $20-$30 differences which helps the aftermarket consumer and shops get people onto a reasonably priced 1x drivetrain with varying budgets. If they truly used cheaper materials and processes, that shifter could be $25-$30 and the der should be $80ish. This would better reflect the “levels” that brands have built over the years. At the end of the day we’ll still be selling gx shift/der on a nx cassette.
I’m just bitter I guess, inventory is already a nightmare in the bike industry, where we’re flooded with thousands of small parts that are continuously changing. To have what’s essentially duplicate parts with different skus is frustrating.

I don’t understand the point of making everything other than the cassette honestly. You save $2,3,4 here and there for lower quality parts and manufacturing processes. Compare the build quality of an 11sp nx der to a gx der. The nx literally falls apart. If this crop of nx is anything like the last, it’s just more consumable parts to throw in the trash...
Shimano atleast believed in making a der that can survive multiple seasons of hard use without rattling itself apart.

Maths are better than memories. Literally 1% more range on the Ethirteen, but with a 9t that barely fits a standard chain. 10t has better chain engagement. 9t only works well with half link chains on bmx bikes. I’d put money on the XTR shifting miles better also.

Two years late, 8 spokes short, one size option missing, and $100 over the price of an ibis wheelset with i9 hubs that sports a 7 year warranty. Way to fucking nail it Mavic.....