Unfortunately Nick many of us weren't at the presentation and as such don't have the context that you refer to. There was no building for those of us not in the room, there was simply reporting that came out as nothing but mockery. Remember, you were there, most were not. Although I have to fail to see the procession of the ridiculousness. Again, that may indeed be in the context you had the benefit of. I see nothing particularly ridiculous in announcing Yarna and then Willrow, both managed to find their way onto an online poll that was supposedly serious. Yeah, I got it as soon as I saw the crispy figures. Context, think about it.
Are we taking it too seriously? Obviously, but the whole point of a discussion board is to voice opinion and not all of it can be positive and blowing sunshine up mighty Hasbro's ass. And yes, I completely agree with your point about hypersensitivity, particularly amongst the group here at JD. But that you come in here and be condescending to people that didn't have the benefit of seeing the progression of the humour is a little disappointing, to say the least. We had and have not had the benefit of the progression or context of the presentation until your comments of today. So I consider it to be surprising with the tone and attitude you're presenting. I think more highly of you than that, so color me surprised.
As for voting with my wallet, that's already happening. Gentle Giant, Sideshow, Tomy/Medicom/Kubrick, etc. are all getting more of my dollars. There's many products I'm opting to not buy, either because they are simple rehashes/repaints, they are blatant cash grabs (tin sets with one new figure?) or they simply hold no interest for me. On top of that I'm selling off lots of my Hasbro product at the moment (not here, the list is at snowtroopers.ca if you're so motivated
).
It's a joke, no doubt about it, but it's not nearly so easy to figure out if you weren't at the presentation. A little disappointment isn't so unreasonable, now is it?