So, Cottage. Why does it cost 3$? Let's make the obvious comparison to Hamlet:
- If you just need two Actions, Hamlet can discard the card it draws or any other card, meaning it gets you a potentially better hand of the same size as Cottage does
- If you don't need the Actions, Hamlet is without any risk, also unlike Cottage
- If the card you discard doesn't produce money, Hamlet is better. If it produces 1$, they are about equal (you might want or not want to be able and draw the discarded card)
Cottage is better ONLY when you want to take more additional bonuses than you have cards in your hand that produce 1$ or 0$. In other words, Cottage can only be better if you trashed your starting deck and don't get any new junk. And really always need those actions. I'd definitely try it at 2$ if I were you guys.