I have the same issue, but when i didi break them out i left them out on the table for a week or so. technic is really fun.
I think the problem with the lego system as a whole, is they don't offer large enough sets for people to truly engineer..
They have the computer version, but that would only work for adults who are already dedicated..
If you want kids to be able to flourish with lego, the quantity of parts necessary would be cost prohibitive for most parents given what lego currently charges for their sets..
They should bail out of the toy system entirely and go straight into engineering education.. lobby for state education contracts.. etc..
I'm sure tons of engineering firms would be glad to be onboard