Comon people.
I personally hate Christmas music. Bah Humbug. It makes me want to puke. Probably because I heard it too many times, and it reminds me that Christmas was once a decent time of year and now it's all about the $$$$. But I digress.
Look, it's the SEASON FOR CHRISTMAS MUSIC, so what's a better way to introduce a 5.1 partnership with ES than releasing a Christmas SACD that will appeal to a large cross section of customers. There is very little HiRez Christmas music, and even less in surround.
This release is all about the discovery and the splash. A Christmas SACD is likely to be noted by places that will take notice and generate publicity that will call attention to the ES/AF partnership which will pave the way for the future titles that you and I will drool over.
If you don't like something, posting that you will not buy it serves no purpose at all. Just don't buy it. There are many things that come out that I don't buy, but I don't thread crap in those threads and say "This disc is a waste so I'm not buying it".
Let's be positive. A few years ago, we would never have expected to be getting what we're getting this year. Box or no box.
Enjoy what comes out and what you like. No one is forcing anyone to buy anything they don't like. Even Marshall himself has stated that he does not want people to buy titles they don't like, which is why there is no subscription program for the 5.1 titles.
'tis the season............................