Yes, I had the same experience earlier this year. I'm just much more aware of where things are coming from and who is having to work to get them to me.

Re: the BTS cups, I suspect that the coffee is important because it spurs repeat business whereas, how many cups does one need? And BTS fans in particular are very organized and aware of how purchasing behavior benefits the group in terms of publicity power if not finances.

But I quite liked your thoughts about tracing where this fannish thing comes from and goes. I would also extend this to how they will become unrecycled plastic waste.