[steve86]

as long as the publisher makes a profit for the sales they generate, they are not wasted

That's peculiar accounting. The unsolicited junk mail sent to me is most certainly wasted, at the production level, the transport level, and the waste level.

[Jeff Chandler]

the production level, the transport level, and the waste level.

Jobs for everyone along the way, and profits for the businesses publishing them.

Win-win-win-win!