muddi900

Youknowwho received an infraction for posting about youknowwhat. Just thought I'd share that with you.

I don't reveal my location (directly) here for a reason. People are nice, but don't take that for granted.

Damn you! You have only made my decision even more difficult! Cure you!

Ah, I see. In that case, I think we're more or less on the same page. I was speaking more in regards to collaboration between competitors to fix prices above the natural market equilibrium, which was essentially what the case discussed in the OP was about.

See my point is that the free for all market is only successful if consumers find the quality acceptable though. Otherwise, they will still choose the higher priced goods.

That's rarely the case however, which is why you usually only see unfettered competition in commodity markets, where quality is largely irrelevant. With most other goods, quality is important and consumer desire for quality keeps firms in business, not price fixing. Also keep in mind that the point of efficient markets is not to keep firms in business, but to facilitate the efficient production and distribution of goods. It is not societies concern to keep firm A or B in business is they are not producing a desired product at a competitive price.