I agree that "minimizing production costs while maximizing price point" is not where I'd like to be, either. I have no problem paying a premium price for premium product. But, I suspect changing the status quo would be a tough row to hoe.

That said, if DC were to put out a series of Golden Age collection "floppies" (all done at their original GA published size) as part of a "DC Classic Comics Library" or some such, I'd be all over it. A few years back, someone released an extravagant box set called "The Superman Masterpiece Edition" -- or, something close to that -- which included as part of it a "correctly-sized" floppy reprint of Superman #1. I think the art was the same restored art used in the archives, but the original sizing, paper and printing were outstanding. Sets were also released for Batman & Wonder Woman.

I think correct sizing of the GA stuff is a critical issue for me, insofar as DC's efforts have been concerned.