After reading the Q&As from CVI, and listening to Curto's podcast with DePriest, I think I now see what Hasbro is planning for The Clone Wars line.  In essence, they are producing for children (not news to us).  But the reality of this is really setting in for me.  Less articulation makes sturdier toys for little hands; and we are told that kids are really only interested in core characters.  So, The Clone Wars line proper will be a kid's brand.  As a collector, I'd be boneheaded to keep expecting to see collector-favorites from this line, despite how much I would love to see Krell and Di.  Barring some kickass surprises, it's just not going to happen.  I'm going to start looking to the realistic line if I want to see cool characters from this spectacular animated show.

For me, I would really miss not seeing Merumeru, along with some nicely-detailed Wookiee warriors.  I would also like to see an office-duel Palpatine.  Cliegg Lars would also be on that list; and now that Nu is being made, I have hope for Cliegg.  I would also like a 3-pack of Jedi younglings with the same level of articulation that the recent TVC TPM Anakin has.  It's sad to say, but I cannot think of a single character from the OT that I am pining to see. 

I don't know. An SA Jar Jar could be pretty cool. He is one of the last major characters not to have an SA version.

Never fear!  An SA Jar Jar shall be here by the end of the year.

I'll be upset if that's the case since I avoided those so I could get them on the vinty cards since that was my preferred method of getting them.

Well, it looks like it's time for you to go out and pick up those DTF figures.   

And less articulation than previous versions.

There is an easy way to correct that. Just replace his forearms with those of the 2011 Obi-Wan. Using a hair dryer, I did this last night and the results are phenomenal. Now, Obi-Wan has the wrist articulation that he deserves. 

What about $16 a piece?

I'll probably still be at it, as long as Hasbro keeps pumping out cool stuff.  For me, any "price point" is kinda arbitrary.  I'll keep going as long as my interest remains high for the toys.  All things being considered equal, their price tag is irrelevant for me.  I'll stop collecting only when I lose interest, not when it exceeds my comfort level in terms of cost (and honestly I have no idea where that would be). 

A price hike will not affect my collecting habits in the slightest.  I have been saying for years that I will keep buying these things, even if they are $15 a piece.  I can't say that I'll be more selective, since I am already at the maximum setting for my selectiveness. 

So, not really a problem for me.

Packaged photos of the new Commander Fox...Despite the presumed lack or articulation, he's not too bad, IMHO.

I'm a little disappointed, since I was hoping that Fox would be a repaint of Cody, not Rex.  That way, we could have another SA clone for the collection.  Also, they messed up the paint on the chin of his helmet: there should be a white patch there.

(Sorry to be negative.)