Part of the success and 'feel' of LEGO are due to the close tolerances - ~.01mm. This is an order of magnitude (or two) greater than my RepRap Mendelmax on it's best day.

However, it will be a great boon to the LEGO community - as they will now have greater access to non-structural, unlicensed parts such as guns [1] and the ilk.

[1] http://www.brickarms.com/

True. I read once that only 4 bricks in a million are defective.

Who knows, LEGO's .01mm accuracy might become the mark by which 3D printing measures itself someday.

I'd bet that day comes by the end of the decade.

Here's to hoping that Lego pivots into a foundation for educational, manufacturing, structural, (etc)... research while investing in 3d printing and bringing the tech up to and beyond their current spec. Optimism!

A dramatically smaller LEGO could still probably make a living off selling model design/instructions and Mindstorms software.

Maybe they can start selling plastic and part plans?