What the OP, and others who subscribe to his ideology, is that the Mint can do as they please with what they make. If they decide to offer the proof or reverse proof in another sales item, they have every right to. So long as they're meeting the demand they've done nothing wrong. I think you've hit the proverbial nail with your assessment, and would even add wannabe flipper to his repertoire. What's that old saying, "jack of all trades, expert at none."
I bought mint rolls of nickels in I think 2003 or 4- they went pretty high and I was holding onto them thinking they would do well over the long haul. Then YEARS LATER like in 2009 or something they re-offered that same product from years before and killed the value. They are creepy and unscrupulous.
Not everybody. I'll be ordering Thursday. Let's hope they're neglected and the focus stays on the proofs till the end of the year, the 2011 might end up the lowest minted by a mile.