'Tis a plot I tell thee...

... a fiendish plot.
AAA batteries, these days, appear to be sold in packs of 4. Meanwhile, whoever "they" are, happily make radio controlled Alarm clocks to take THREE damn batteries. Which causeth one to wonder ...
1. Will you find oddfellah, when next you need new batteries?
2. Will it be as viable as the four you were forced to buy?

I once saw a pack of three Toilet cistern washers for sale. WHAT, I wonder, are the chances of finding the other two when Number one cashes in its chips?