CoP Essay - Is there a place for 'Limited Edition' in todays mass produced society?

I'm going to write an essay that explores 'Limited Edition' and it's worth in todays society. With communication being the main purpose of Graphic Design, does a limited edition print fulfill a purpose that mass produced design doesn't? Mass Produced media will reach more people, and thus communicate more effectively. However limited edition pieces are much more focused on a target audience of fans of that specific publication. I will look into how limited edition pieces started off, with the Rembrandt era, with lithograph prints where the plates would deteriorate at around 1000 prints, so prints were limited through practicality.
Newspapers will also be a key part of my essay, as I wish to explore the way that newspapers are both mass produced, but also limited edition as they are only produced for one day, and due to their fragility, become more and more limited over time to the point where newspapers that cover events of specific importance such as JFK's assassination or the moon landing sell for substantial amounts of money.
I may also investigate 'limited edition' in other creative areas such as fashion, where limited editions are almost exclusively used as a marketing ploy. Social media is plagued with people sharing imagery in the hope to win limited edition clothing, or to receive a code that allows them to purchase a certain piece of clothing. Photography also has this to an extent with Polaroid photography producing a photo that is one of a kind, however the practical side of having it instantly printed also plays a part in the use of a polaroid camera.
Another key topic I will investigate will be production methods that are utilized when creating limited edition pieces. I would argue that limited edition prints that are digitally printed are worthless, as there is no effort in the actual creation. This would link into the practical work, where I would create a piece of work based around possibly a bland newspaper or flyer, but created with intricate production techniques such as foil-printing, embossing and embroidery.
My topic is a currently quite vague I think and I'd like to narrow it down so that I don't get lost researching a vast amount of topics such as social media, print vs new media, advertising, fashion etc. I would like to keep my essay primarily mass production vs limited edition, with a secondary focus on the aura of print/printing methods.
I could also do with rewriting my question properly so that my essay topic is clearly outlined and my research is linked obviously to my statement of intent.