Short Print Learning

I remember, even when I was a kid collecting cards in the "junk wax" era, I didn't even know about the different micro variations in sets like Donruss in the late 80s with the * and Inc / Inc. differences, or in 1991 Fleer with the USA dot differences, but as a kid, I didn't care and don't think many did.

Skip ahead and variations to cards became more of a purposeful think, and though I understand some of the base card variations like alternate photos, some I don't get. 

In the 2021 Topps Heritage cards I got in the BASEball lot, I didn't get any of the base card short print variations, but I did get some more Jays at least. A couple of the variations for a number of cards include a difference to the colours used on the team name, and whether the card has the stars on the front design.

Why?

I mean, I am probably one of the reasons - I'd collect the differences, but just because I am a sucker, doesn't mean they have to take advantage of me....

Just like the handful plus of short prints I will be keeping - why do we have to make short prints? Just make insert sets and let the base set sit as an actually reasonably collectible set.

I doubt anyone can complain about the design on the cards as it is iconic and done well in this set, but although I wasn't around when the design was originally used by Topps, my guess is, these variations and short prints were not something of an issue done purposely by Topps to sell more cards. Different times....different times....