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Keep in mind that the animators don't get paid based on merchandise sales. They're paid by the frame/foot/cel/etc. So, in fact, it doesn't matter how much an anime sells for most of the workers; the animators themselves get the same regardless. Also, keep in mind that it's not as if one person is doing nothing but this show for a whole year straight. But, of course, that's not to say that animators have a very good standard of living; most of them definitely would be better off being waiters. It's the lowest among low, as far as jobs go. Even if the show were selling like hotcakes, it wouldn't raise their standard of living.
That being said, the production committee that financed the show isn't just counting on DVD sales. CD sales also factor in, along with sales of the upcoming PS2 re-release of the game (and the upcoming PC release of the next game in the "tears series" by La'cryma). You could consider it an investment to raise the profile of the franchise. By the time you add up all the various merchandising, Lantis, Bandai Visual, Circus, Broccoli and all are probably going to do all right. Not every show has to sell tens of thousands; the best-sellers help finance the lesser-selling ones.
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