Actually I quite disagree with you. Even if the effect is 50 dollars, if it is one you'll always use and one that will be remembered by the spectators, even thought it's just one effect, it's still worth it. You're not paying for the gimmick, you're paying for the effect. But if you think it's a ripoff, so be it then, dont buy it!
Also, are you kidding me? Of course the spectators care if the bottle is sealed or not. Slam the coin in an opened bottle, the spectators probably think "yeah he probably just sneaked the coin in somehow". But when it's factory sealed? Brings the effect to a whole new level.
And please, don't be so against E. Look at Distortion. How long have the gimmick been around for? AND digital dissolve. Like you said, can't people be more creative?
Most of the magic today are all regurgitated ideas from before. Don't be an E hater. Without E, there wouldn't even be T11.
I never said I was against E. I believe I said I did not like the people running their company, I am sure the effects are good, and THOSE WHO WILL USE THEM should by them, not those who just want some tricks to show their girlfriend and her parents.
Old gimmicks with new purposes are great, the visual transpotion plot invented by houchin was original, but the plot of coin through bottle is old, any coin in bottle that amazes people will only be remembered as this guy made a coin go through the bottle. It won't be the guy had the coin in the base ohis palm, took out a bottle completely filled with Mountain Dew, with a hole in the top that coul fit the coin in, he tossed his hand towards the bottle, and the coin appeared as if going through the bottle. Details arent remebered. (this is not suggesting any method as I would not give one out on a forum)
ANd usay factory sealed brings it to a new level? WHat about this, one of the original coin in bottles, YOu seal a bottle with a cork. Take a half dollar, and hit it against the wine bottle, and it goes through, impossible to "sneak in as you say, then you can shake the coin out and have it examined.
What t11 is doing with old gimmicks is called creative, what E is doing with the CIB is creative, just not a new plot. mathieu bich has very original plots and methods, see any of his stuff. mathieubich.com