Hm. While some people are rich in STL, and they continue to be rich, I think most of the deals and workings do not profit anyone largely. E.g., the demolishioners are poor. The city admins are lower-middleclass.
Some developers are rich, and don't live here. But I think they only profit by pulling tricks and leaving. Leaving us with their various debts. Some politicians work with them for personal gain.
I think it's natural that the demolishioned brick would be shipped to whomever will pay best, and other cities make sense. It is good for whatever buildings can be repaired, be repaired.