In scenario two, why should the plate get more expensive over time? It's the same exact plate. Nothing changes about it. I don't get a service where chips are fixed. I don't get a discount on food occasionally. Nothing. So, there's no _reason_ for the monthly fee, from the perspective of the purchaser.

You seem to be taking issue with my word choice, but I stand by that choice. The second scenario is a crappy deal. It's "Crap" for the consumer. I don't know anyone in their right mind who would go for deal number two willingly.