They do sell the parts. Read the other thread. They are still supporting the third gen.
I think some people are all wrapped around the wheel because they feel that in some dystopian future, all future guns and parts will be forbidden or heavily scrutinized for future purchases, or a shtf scenario leaves everyone left with what they have on hand. They want to have all sorts of parts to be self-sufficient for an extend period of time, even inter-generational. (Best solution, buy ANOTHER third gen........, not sell them). It's still a tool and a simple machine. Do not put it on a pedestal I'd you are using it for serious use.
If that is what is driving part of people having mass sell-off's, or even if it is just collectors getting out of the market, it's ill timed and irrational. I just don't get it. The information that caused this disruptive ripple proved to be partially false in the first place. Maybe we need to sticky S&W's official stance on the 3rd gen.
Agreed on all points! But hey, keep selling off the third gens. That's how I keep getting good deals on them!

I carry a 4506-1 with adjustable sights every single day, along with two spare mags on the other side. It by no means has an easy life!