New Collings Hill Country guitar line

[DenverSteve]

Collings has dropped information on their new line of guitars. These were recently shown at the Blue Ridge Guitar Camp and, to one Collings fan, they look fantastic. They should be out in the fall. In line with Collings’ attention to quality and detail, even the pick-guards are made in house.

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“When we released our Traditional Series in 2016, we took a step in the direction of a more rounded, open tonality within the long-established Collings voice. For our upcoming Hill Country Series, we pushed that tone to the far end of the spectrum with a strongly fundamental, warm, and woody character unlike any previous Collings offering, along with unique aesthetic appointments. After years of development, these prototypes we’re sharing with attendees at the Blue Ridge Guitar Camp this week represent the final iterations of models that will be offered upon our initial release this fall.”

[dansprucefir]

Okay, this seems like an interesting new line and I have been following it for a while. But, the additional cost of a hand poured pickguard (and maybe a wedge on the butt of the guitar, for lack of a better term) seems silly. Why in the world would Collings charge customers extra for such superfluous junk that has no impact on tone? I just don't understand the direction here. And I have been a Collings devotee for the past 20 years. Also, I absolutely love the T series guitars.
Just my 2 cents,
Dan