To me, this is how it REALISTICALLY should be done.
18 packs a box
5 (or 6) cards a pack
2 autos a box
$5 per pack srp
Around $80 a box
Similar mix of inserts (maybe amp it up a bit) like this year's but
Make the base cards exactly like the inaugural '91 issue (complete with the "topps RC" photo on the back).
Obviously, make sure the base set photos are outstanding, just like this year's.
And to make us feel even more nostalgic, do "sample" variations just like the the originals had (3 gold foil lines on front and a generic back) as rare inserts in packs. These would be labeled as variations in today's hobby.
I think this would work. And I think a $3 retail pack product would too, especially since it brings back that nostalgic feeling which is a great way to hook former collectors.
Stadium Club SHOULD have a presence in this hobby and I think this year's issue is on the right track, just needs a bit of retooling.
Well the math states that is a $90 box at minimum and hobby shops will jack it up to $105 or so.
You're spinning your wheels.