but the normal ones are more expensive
I think all of them are far, except the hut with the ground floor missing
I like the hut without the ground floor. That floor more than doubles the prive for the American market. I was considering this building for possible use as a Western homestead, but with the metal cage underneath it just wasn't go to work. Without it it'll do as a small log cabin.
There's a history of these cut-down sets being released in North America (e.g. the 5837 Roman "arena"). Like them personally or not, there must be a reason, and as they're still doing them they must presumably be selling.
I've heard that the American public don't like spending more than $20-30 on a single toy, so Playmobil are pitching more sets into that lower price range. If I were them I'd be creating even more unique sets in the $5-15 range.