First gen iPod nanos replaced with current generation models

If you happen to own one of the first generation iPod nanos, and fall under part of the worldwide replacement exercise which happened in November, here is an interesting bit of news. Folks who applied for a replacement device will not receive a first generation replacement, but rather, the current sixth generation model. I wonder whether the holiday season has something to do with Cupertino’s unexpected generosity, considering how users complained of slow turnaround times in receiving their shipping boxes as well as receiving their replacement iPods, no thanks to shortages of both items. I guess Apple did the right thing to placate their customer base by offering something far better (and definitely unexpected). After all, isn’t it cheaper to produce current generation devices in bulk than to crank out first generation models?