However, it has a very good calculator that everyone can use for calculating how to budget for their next album project. I remember posting here not too long ago that the best way forward for the majors is to set up a "service" oriented imprint.

I think Discmakers have just thrown down the gauntlet. They are offering label management as part of the deal with a "nominal" service charge, not quite sure how much. But this looks very interesting for navigating the minefield of the DIY/independent scenario with support from a big company.

Seeing that Discmakers have also bought CDbaby, expect to see a "lite version" for smaller artists and labels. In fact with CDbaby you have pretty much the same thing albeit without the Sony/Red distribution. I think in the UK Absolute/Universal do something similar.

I will be looking into this as well as the CDbaby route as they offer international distribution through a One Stop wholesaler based in the US. This is good for getting your physicals into Amazon and other retailers.