It's probably just me, but I am also on the why "so many different bit sizes for kits" bandwagon. I know Craft Supplies is a business, just like any other, and their goal is make money. For example, why does a TI coated pen cost so much more than most of the other platings? I could see a premium, but over double the cost? I am not slamming CSUSA in particular, their business just happens to be part of the topic. Besides, if I thought that people would opt for more expensive plating because they didn't feel comfortable with a lesser plating, I would do the same, as long as I didn't lose their business. It's good business sense to subtly steer your customers toward a higher markup product.
I also know that this thing of ours is like a community. With a few exceptions, almost all the suppliers have helped me sort things out, one way or another. What suppiers charge or how they move their plating ratings around, has nothing to do with customer service. That's a business decision.