I didn't know they did that, will have to keep it in mind if I ever manage to get back to that series.

I get it, times are tough right now and paperbacks have gotten expensive. They're angry they have to put out twice as much money, which is understandable. But I'm with you, I'd rather the 700 page story rather than an overly edited, watered down version. However, this is why I have several library cards. LOL