I'm debating whether or not to continue the old "one to open, one to store" mentality because if the MP molds continue to improve and re-release, doesn't that make the older versions undesirable and worth less? I've seen this happen with Macross valks before. Feel sorry for those who are paying ebay prices on the MP Starscream when one will probably be reissued in the improved mold. (As opposed to G1 reissues where generally the mold and transformations remain the same with every release) If Hasbro has paid any attention to what happened with MP OP, they would have seen that a) pre-orders instantly sold out, b) in store shipments instantly sold out, and c) online they sold out within 24hrs. So I would assume one is coming every year for the next 10 years (j/k, maybe every 2-3 years) with maybe updated parts every subsequent release. So all of these people buying 2 MPOP right now and hoping their stored one will be worth a profit years down the road will be disappointed.
One can't really say though. Take a look at Classics, certain figures get re-issued, certain ones don't. Starscream (as well as the other Seekers) and Optimus were the likeliest to get re-issued because 1. Starscream's mold is an instant investment recovery. You get at least 2 more figures immediately through Thundercracker and Skywarp, never mind special editions like Ghost versions or Sunstorm, plus with minor retooling, you get the 3 coneheads. It's a very profitable retool. 2. Optimus is the MOST popular TF character ever. His toys will always sell. With Takara deciding to downsize the line, it only made sense to re-do Optimus and follow from there. It does look like Takara has a firm plan for the MP line for the next few years, and hopefully we'll be getting a pretty good representation of the classic G1 cast before everything is said and done. I foresee them possibly re-issuing a guy like Prime again later on (They did for MP01 after all) but to see an immediate retool so soon, probably not within 2-3 years. The old MP01 lasted about 8 years before getting another re-engineered design. I would think Megatron might get one if only because Takara would want a bette representation of the Con leader, but I'm not sure we'll be getting another Rodimus or Grimlock, given they're more or less in scale with the current line, and aren't as big names as say Optimus, Megatron or Starscream.
@OP: you're correct, MPs are rarely good investments, particularly because they're being reissued in the US 6 mos later for a third of the price. Theyre just great toys Third party, on the other hand...
Since Takara has the Lambo license for 2 years, they might as well make Sunstreaker and Breakdown for a MP Menasor. Then when Takara gets the Porsche license, Jazz and Deadend
