You are completely wrong about Play-Doh. It’s been a successful brand name product for generations because kids love it. Can you name a brand name for clay? Clay is boring and kids hate it. Clay is the brussel sprouts of toys.
Whereas modeling clay is commodotized, Play-Dough has built a brand through marketing.
The key thing is that I said “Modeling clay,” not “clay.” Clay also dries, makes a terrible mess, is always monochormatic and goopy, constantly needs to be moistened to keep a slimy sheen of filth over it. No wonder it’s a mess.
Modeling clay doesn’t need to be moistened, doesn’t dry out, doesn’t have a sheen of muddy slime over it while you use it, comes in a huge array of colors, including very bright ones, doesn’t clump off, doesn’t get all over your hands... HUGE difference.
I had no idea of the difference when I first started buying play-dough for my kid. In frustration, I bought modelling clay and couldn’t believe how much better it was.