I find it hard to try to blame the cigarette (or any) companies in a world where maximizing money is encouraged. Don't hate the player, hate the game. I'm not trying to justify anything, but there would be another tiktok instantly exploiting the opportunity if tiktok would vanish.
I have always hypothesized that it's because these traits have helped our parents to blend in and survive (and bloom) in slavery and corrupted civilizations. I have nothing to back it up of course.
These compared items have too many dimensions to simply pick the best. NY times deffo have more pens, cameras and experience but there are other factors also, like authenticity and transparency.
It sounds like a broader problem: you buy something digital and manufacturer changes it (most of the people may even like the update but you hate it). Maybe subscription payment model would make more sense (but tbh the whole economy needs some rethinking).
sometimes i feel the whole market resembles ponzi. things getting expensive because there is a promise of price rising and more people getting into the market.