This is the rather optimistic way of looking at it...
It is in accord with many of Photo Engineer's posts about film improvements.
As well as some other information I'm aware of concerning the approach taken when new or returning films were being developed - particularly the current Ektachrome.
The cost (and availability) of constituent ingredients is never unimportant. But availability is more likely to be a motivating factor for change in a competitive market where all producers have the same cost concerns.
