Actually from what I and others have seen is you can't get as much powder in Norma brass cause it was much thicker than say Remington. Also compensates by building pressure quicker than say remington and winchester. But yes its softer and more malible. They say this gives it the ability to be loaded more before split necks and being brittle.

What I have seen is. You don't have to sort Norma brass period. I know for a fact you should sort Remington Brass.

As far as whe it was the premium, think its always been that way for over 20 years. Where you been? Hiding in Alaska somewhere?