Blue Bell, I believe, still sells a full 1/2 gallon of Ice Cream--I think it is them--they still advertise it as a full half gallon, Some brands are even less than the 3 pints of the majority of brands, even the "store brands" have jumped on the bandwagon of less.  It is frustrating to see the smaller packages for the same price or even higher than it was before. 

Ummmmm...  supply costs go up, raw materials costs go up, labor goes up, utility costs go up.  If you don't raise the price, then you either cut into the profit margin or give product away.  So one strategy is to reduce the size of the package to maintain the price point and create a profit for the shareholders.  Which in this day of socialist attitudes companies not making profits seems to be ok but the country still is successful based upon capitalism.  The argument about CEO profits is fallacious and distracting and I would have expected better.  Having spent 30+ years in manufacturing, the whole article seems to disregard the challenges a business has in providing a product with high quality, low costs, making a profit, employees wanting higher wages, health care costs and covereage, etc. 

Having a healthy discussion about package size and price is a good one to have.  Just not slanted that it is bad situation.  It is one solution that really has nothing to do with quality.  Rather, it is a response from businesses (many have adopted) to try to make things "affordable" through the price point while balancing their own needs to make a profit for their shareholders so they can still continue to run a business.

On a personal level, I like the smaller sizes because there is less waste and my guess is that there are others that find half eaten containers of ice cream in their freezer.  If I were cooking for an army then I would opt to go to Sam's Club or something like that.