Some of the collections do include alternate instructions, e.g. the LEGO Creator range is "3 in 1".
Re:Lego Saturn V
by thomnottom on Wednesday May 03, 2017 @02:07PM
(#14258429)
I really wish those sets had been around when I was a kid.
> The packaging used to be better about this, even including alternate instructions using the pieces in the set
They still do that with some sets.
Lego Classic 10709 - a small cheap set (less than $5) - has one page with suggestions if you combine it with other similar sets, and another page with instructions about modifying this set.
Pages 14 and 24.
https://www.lego.com/en-us/classic/activities/booklets/10709...
The packaging used to be better about this, even including alternate instructions using the pieces in the set.