I’m glad I didn’t jump on the exclusive bandwagon. Thought about it but too many questions.
Thing is, there’s at least one other manufacturer about to sell a very similar printer to the Bambu - multicolor with automated filament loading and unloading, etc. They have a 3D model repository for their users too but I didn’t see anything about rewards yet. Maybe they will, won’t or already do? Don’t know.
I suspect Bambu’s exclusive program is ultimately meant to stop models from being uploaded to the other manufacturer’s repository. That’s what exclusives are.
People here have lots of experience now with multicolor models of all types. We are a valuable resource that for very low cost generate amazing value for Bambu. I think Bambu realizes that and decided to attempt to velvet glove us into exclusivity here. Not that there is anything wrong with that but the exclusive program can only have one purpose - to keep models out of other company’s repositories for their customers.
Not that it matters but I create things because I enjoy it and want to share those creations - not keep them tucked away for the benefit of just one company. Bambu was the only game in town but that is changing.
If other manufacturers do rewards to populate their repositories with appropriate models to encourage sales of their printers, if they are on a par with those here, we stand to benefit by multiples of the rewards here - not just 25% more to be exclusive.
That’s just one reason to stay unencumbered.