Lego Pick a Brick

[The Phantom Menace]

Does anyone know if Lego have any plans for expanding their selection of bricks in the future?

I've been using the LDD and recently upgraded (which now displays an almost infinite set of colours), and find that when I want to buy certain bricks they're not available (and these aren't specialist bricks like Ewok heads, but 2x1 bricks in particular colours). Desert colours like Sand or Brick are particularly rare.
Obviously some of these bricks are available in certain sets (the new Friends sets seem to have a lot of new colours), but it would get expensive buying whole sets just for a couple of pieces. Also it would be nice if they sold flesh coloured minifigure heads too (again not specific characters but generic people).

Hopefully with rumours of a replacement to Design-by-Me this may be possible.

[Draykov]

Hopefully with rumours of a replacement to Design-by-Me this may be possible.

Actually, I think they're going the other way with LDD. I'm assuming the reason they're incorporating more parts (like out-of-production finger hinges and proprietary parts from licensed themes) is so you can have more freedom to build anything you want virtually. So far as I know, the option to buy what you've built is going completely out the window. I think the costs associated with the packaging/purchasing parts of the Design By Me program were too much and made the concept, as a whole, unprofitable.

[Inzane]

but 2x1 bricks in particular colours). Desert colours like Sand or Brick are particularly rare.

* oops, nevermind. My brain read "tan" the first time, but you said "sand". My bad.

[The Phantom Menace]

I've seen that Bricklink comes up on my google search quite a bit. Has anyone used this site? What are people's experiences? It looks like I can get parts that are not offered by Lego Pick-a-Brick (plus they appear a lot cheaper), but the site looks very old. Is it too good to be true?

[Draykov]

Is it too good to be true?

If you're just now finding out about it, then no. From this thread:

You want pieces? Bricklink is an essential resource, particularly for older parts no longer in the current production line, so register as a member and make yourself happy. The key to having a good experience on Bricklink is to find sellers you trust who consistently offer quality parts and fair prices. When you find them, be sure to leave them positive feedback after each successful transaction and be sure to add them to your favorites list so you can find them again. LEGO also has a customer service section of their website where you can request replacement of broken or missing parts (generally, for free) but this is an honor system and abusing it is frowned upon. There is also the LEGO Shop@Home Online Pick-a-Brick, but that tends to be a bit more expensive than the same parts in new condition on Bricklink.