This type of Transformer doesn't really fit into my collection, but if the robot mode was instead done in a G1 (rather than Bayverse) style, I'd be all over it.
I only leaned towards the blue one because Thundercracker was always my Seeker of choice. I agree with you, though, it's pricey.
Would have been more into it if: 1) TC & SW had their stripes worked into the deco. All-blue and all-black just aren't as appealing 2) They didn't tampo Starsceam's motto on the top. It's already dumb to do that, but then to just copy the same character's motto each time? 3) Exclusivity and cost - not an impossible hurdle, but come on.
Good point about that motto... though I just assumed these were all different representations of Starscream. I quit watching the TF films pretty early on, but didn't realize Thundercracker or Skywarp ever appeared in the movies.
Got me a little confused in there. Wasnt the blue Max a medal? I thing the "Pour le merite''. That said, I echo the OPs sentiments.