These collectible (read: branded) sets are what saved them from bankruptcy, though.

Harry Potter did. Lego didn't anticipate that they would ship ONE MILLION copies of the first large Hogwart's school-castle set.

How can you go bankrupt with Lego? That's almost like going bankrupt with Coca Cola. It's probably one of the most if not the most recognizable toy brand there is. I'll have to read up on this, sounds like a fantastic voyage of mismanagement, if true.