I think, ultimatly it depends on what the various R1’s are aiming for: who are they trying to reach.
Are they just happy with the “hardcore”, already anime fans buying, or are they trying to slowly but surely reach out the more “mainstream” casual viewer as well.
I mean Funimation dubs all their anime shows, and a good majorityall? of their live-action movies as well. They’re fighting to keep their 24/7 channel on air - good luck with that - and have gone with a new packaging design for their DVD/BD combos as well. In my opinion, they’re clearly trying to grab that mainstream audience, along with the “hardcore” fans as well, no doubt about it; whether it’s on tv or b-n-m stores. So a sub only BD from them is out of the question, I believe.
Sentai seems to be walking the middle ground. All their sub-onlies have been on DVD and most have been very otakuess, niche shows at that: Taisho Baseball Girls, Maria-Holic, and future Fast Break. Their BD’s on the other hand, so far have been reserved for the more actiony, manly, and visually stunning shows: Broken Blade, Highschool of the Dead, Night Raid, etc.
Of course theirs always the odd ones that get the BD treatment as well, ef being the main one; never thought that’d be gettin it but that could mean they’re hopping for Clannad-like numbers or there’s an already signed deal with other Rnumbers out there or with the Japanese licensor to begin with.
Then there’s NISA who’s going for the collectors with the fancy packaging and xtras.
In the end, I believe BD, whether sub-only or hyb, should be reserved for those shows that are visually stunning to beging with. I mean, I enjoyed Princess Resurrection, but let’s face it, it’s not a stunning show; or Shin-chan, or Panty n Stocking, u get my drift: unless both formats are priced the same, I’d go for the cheaper format and save myself a couple of bucks and get something to eat while I’m watching the show.