Of course, companies like Pioneer and Sony might choose to keep marketing certain high-end products even if they're taking a bath on them. I get the feeling that many of the more expensive products in their lines are like the opposite of loss leaders: only there to make the buying public feel good about purchasing the cheaper models. Every company needs to have a "top of the line" product just so that there's a comfortable middle ground where the bulk of the consumers can spend their money.

Yes, it's known as the halo effect.
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Remind me to change my signature to something more interesting someday