I'll reply more later, but one thought I had..

that I didn't wanna forget about.. Have you considered 3D printing the game pieces or possibly other items like hardware and stuff on the boxes? It wouldn't be, you know, metal parts, but properly painted would LOOK like metal parts and, of course, be 3D, which is the big issue.. I know you can 3D print stuff pretty cheap and 3D printers are going way down - I've seen quite a few models under $75..

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Friendship is like peeing your pants.. Everybody can see it, but only you can feel the warmth..