The price is higher than the last group buy. Is this to make the 500 bulk price look a little better? Interesting pricing strategy considering the recent difficulty increases.
Also why has the .1 promotion been swept under the rug? (The .10 thread was locked, or I would have asked the question there.)
If you look thread for this buy does not include price for that specific reason.
I'm willing to bet he picks a number where it comes out cheaper to answer your question. But at 15 plus it is a jump up easily since you provide shipping costs. And web site prices....
As far as timing i think it has more to do with chips in delay for competitors projects. There are other group offerings that have not used this as a way to gouge you for a little extra.