Commems Collection Classic: A Call For A Return To Commemorative Coins

In an opinion piece on coins I found in the September 3, 1960 edition of The Lima News (Lima, Ohio), LeRoy Burnette asked:

"If an event is important enough to commemorate, why shouldn't every collector have an equal and fair chance to obtain these collector items?"

He then answered:

"The best and easiest way to do this would be simply returning to the tried and true practice of issuing commemorative half dollars when an appropriate occasion warrants."

The piece was published at a time that was at the beginning of the "commemorative medal age" as the United States ("US") Mint and many private mints began issuing commemorative medals to fill in the gap left by the cessation of the US commemorative coin series. The Franklin Mint and the Heraldic Art Company are just two private companies that made a name for themselves via medals during his time.

In the article, Burnette bemoaned the fact that some silver and gold medals carried high dealer premiums and that this was cutting out many collectors who might have wanted one. Hasn't this always been the case? Not all numismatic collectibles (or collectables, if you prefer) have been intended for the "masses" - use of higher-cost precious metals, limited mintage levels, high issue prices have all been factors in limiting the supply of certain pieces. It's long been a part of the hobby.

But what about Burnette's call for a restart of the US commemorative coin series? Would you have supported his position at the time? OR Would you have been in the camp that supported the "pause" of the series?