...If everything was in one case, here are the scenarios:
1) (Big C) Collectors would buy every figure in the assortment to have a complete set of the line - Win-win
2) Next tier collectors would buy all of the "new" figures in the wave leaving the slotted in "Core Characters" behind for the kids Hasbro claims are the audience - again win-win
3) Cherry-picking collectors who buy only what they want get those and again, kids are still left with the "Core Characters" to buy - slightly less of a win since you may end up with one or two figures left over.
The retailer's inventory systems would note the sale and more cases would be ordered. Mission accomplished.
On these points I need to disagree.
Having these in the same case and in the same packaging and same SKU is going to lead to (going to your points):
1) Not so many "big C" collectors out there to take a whole case. Really you're one of a very rare few these days.
2) While true we "smaller c" collectors would by the new figures, that just leaves the Legends types figures on the pegs.
3) Don't we all kinda not like those who cherry pick (at anything)...lol
Seriously though, leaving just the core characters for kids is a problem. I almost never see kids or their parents, grandparents buying realistic style figures anymore. The CW line really killed a lot of that interest with the kiddies.
So what you're proposing will leave many of those legends type figures on the shelves, and once stores start having clogged up shelves they won't be able to order anything new.
Which means we won't see the NEW figures. Once a case would come in, you can bet, either the store clerks would cherry pick the new figs or the first collector to come along would snatch them all up, again leaving only the legends type figures. Which once again will add to the glut.
I think the bad thing was having all three lines look virtually the same. If you're only looking at the front (as most casual people will-not talking casual collectors, just anyone), you don't see a difference. What some little red, orange, or black strip at the top? That means nothing to a casual person and you can bet it means that or less to store stockers.
You can bet that the stockers are just pulling any SW figure case to fill pegs or their managers are telling them something on that order.
Since Hasbro produced less Legacy figures, it stands to reason that stores could only order more of CW and Legends cases. Thereby the glut.
IMO, the big solve here is to do away with Legends, but we know that won't happen. So the next solve is to produce less Legends and more Legacy/Vintage. Hasbro should try that out for a year at least to see if the numbers change. I'm betting heavily they would.
But in this, those card designs MUST be different. Otherwise there is no way to differentiate them quickly to the stockers or their managers. I know, I've tried. They look at me like I'm crazed. They don't care or don't see the difference between an orange, red or black topped card. They just know to fill the pegs.
If the cards were significantly different then I could say, "see THIS style of card. This is the Vintage style, this is what is selling and isn't on the pegs, you need to order more of this specific style." Or something to that affect.
Respectfully.