I don't think its fair to say us collectors need to put up or shut up in this case. I agree if hasbro sold these out at $100 each we would see other large scale vehicles. But I'm not going to pay a $100 for a vehicle I want just to hope it gets me a $100 vehicle I do want down the line.
Well, I'll have to respectfully disagree with you hear.
We have all read how Hasbro has been VERY apprehensive to doing playsets and NEW large vehicles. This is OUR chance to show them they were not wrong for making the AT-TE and that there IS a market for larger toys.
If we DON'T buy this one then chances for other large SW toys will pretty much go out the window.
I applaud Hasbro for taking yet another risk on us and seemingly giving us what many of us have desired for 5 years now. So it's to THOSE people I implore to buy at least one at full retail price. You want it, you're getting it, so buy it already.
In a small way, I hope these kind of trickle out, so it creates a sense of urgency to buy them, then we might not be enticed into waiting for them to clearance. Making them and exclusive can help, but since we already know Target at least is getting them, if they are a Target exclusive, there will be a subset of people who will take their chances and wait for them to clearance.
This sends the wrong message to Hasbro.
It's CLEAR many collectors want the AT-TE, so yes, I do have to say in good conscience that it's time for we collectors to step up to the plate and buy this. heck I'll even go so far as to say we should be promoting the heck out of this toy on all of the major sites, so even casual passersby on the collecting sites will know of this in advance and potential create more buzz about it and more sales at retail.
Again, this is a respectful disagreement and not meant to incite a riot or flame.