You might be right - and only CCP has the numbers to calculate it, but you need support for your claim.
It’s more likely that CCP have someone who calculates this for them, and that on balance the mix of PLEX and Subscription prices are as close to profit-maximizing as they can get.
Offhand the only other business I can think of with a comparable model is magazines. In that case subscriptions are also cheaper. The only example I have at hand (The Economist) has a similar subscription discount (40-odd percent - close enough given the obvious differences in the product and the delivery process).
It’s not proof, but it’s confirmation of sorts.
I’m inclined to think CCP has an economically rational pricing policy.
:
:
As an aside (out of topic for your post): The entirely reasonable assumption that CCP has a profit-effective pricing model is the basis for the statement you quoted: CCP has no practical way to control the PLEX/ISK exchange rate.
- The assumption is consistent with business theory, economic theory, and aggregate observed behavior.
- If it holds, manipulation of PLEX prices (for example a change to make it easier for botters to cover their playing costs via ISK) will significantly reduce CCP’s profits and/or increase their business risks
So far, in this entire thread, I haven’t seen a single convincing argument that CCP and EVE are so different that the usual business and economic principles shouldn’t be assumed.