It's been ages since I've been around these parts, or even been around LEGO.* But I was in a mall today and walked past a LEGO store and was just floored by what I saw. I know none of this is new to you guys, and even though I've been out of the loop I've seen some of these before or even drooled over them in the store, but seeing these all in one place almost brought me to tears as an old timer castle fan. I was brought into the store by that Barad Dur set, which was new to me. Right next to it was the D&D set, the Medieval Town Square set, and the Lions Knight's Castle. Walking around the store there's the Notre Dame, a huge Hogwarts, the newer Disney Castle, and the Snow White set. (I also really loved the Batman mosic/relief set, but that's off-topic.) Anyway, I have nothing really new to say that I'm sure you guys haven't talked to death about each of these sets already. Just wanted to say hi and share my amazement about what TLC is producing these days. This is a golden age of castle - as long as you are considering very expensive sets.
Of course I have to add a caveat. This is great for adults with extra cash on hand. We still need a real castle line with sets starting at the lower price points if they ever want new Castle builders. No kid is going to save up their allowance to buy any of these. No parent is going to spend hundreds of $ for their kid's birthday gift if they're not already a huge castle builder. We need some real starter sets to bring in new fans.

Bruce
*For any old Classic-Castle members, long time no see. For anyone newer, I used to make a lot of noise around these parts.