I didn't notice the change in the packaging for the BPs before either, that's kind of different. I guess I haven't looked really closely at the BPs, since they are either crap or don't interest me. With all the better versions that are available out there now, the use of Commtech Han and CC Chewie is really a slap in the face at this point. Those figures, while nice for their time, should just be retired at this point. There might be certain manufacturing/etc. reasons that I don't know or understand to why they use older figures like this, but to me every time you're going to trot out a Han or Chewie repack (or this could go for other characters too), just use the VOTC Han and the EB Chewie. They are both nearly perfect figures that would also be repacks, and I know I even occasionally buy extras of figures like this since they are the "ultimate" versions. Same could go for any number of other characters (Luke, Obi-Wan, Anakin/Vader, troops, etc.)
I don't like to get too negative about collecting, because it is supposed to be fun, but this year will really be interesting I think. I'm still excited, for the vintage line in particular, as I think they are doing some of their best work overall (even with the price hike). But, the combination of using these old outdated figures, raising the prices, and having a number of action featurey/repacked figures taking up the bulk of the releases elsewhere will really test the line this year I think. Still not sure how much "kids" are going to care about the TPM re-release aside from a figure or two, and I think the bulk of collectors are going to stay away from that Movie Heroes stuff.