Stamford Hilly Billy — Yes, that is very BASIC economics. The point of my post was that this economic argument only applies if there are only 2 items on your budget (when I took economics years ago the classic chart was guns vs. butter, if I recall correctly). The theoretical concept does not apply here as you can take money for Matanos Leevyonim from any part of your budget, not only from the $10 you designated for Shaloch Manos! Anytime you make a decision to spend money on anything, there is an opportunity cots — you could have spent it on Tzedakah instead — why is it only the Mitzva of Shaloch Manos that gets a bad rap? (I don’t hear people say — I’ll spend less on my Yontiff Seudah, and give up the meat this year so I can give more Maos Chitim before Pesach.)
Again, if you read my original post, I’m not advocating expensive Shaloch Manos (we actually spend very little). I am just addressing the reasoning that subtly accuses those who give more Shaloch Manos of giving less Matanos Leevyonim, or having misplaced priorities.
yaff80 – It is true that people are more tempted to do things that bring Kavod. But giving less Shaloch Manos will not make your Matanos Leevyonim any more public! I am in full agreement that everyone should give Matanos Leevyonim to the best of their ability, and I think your idea of “hakaras hatov” envelopes to teachers is very appropriate. We also send something financial to the Rabbeim together with the Shaloch Manos — but I don’t calculate that as coming from either my Shaloch Manos or Matanos Leevyonim.