Nice topic. I could definitely stand a lot less product out there. Of course, I/we don't have to buy everything, but that is easier said than done. I've said before, I envy those first POTF2 years, where there was like 12-25 figures a year, some vehicles/beasts, and that is that. Part of me has wanted there to just be a more limited line, along the lines of the VOTC/VTSC - but less expensive possibly - so we get great figures, less overall releases, and spread out a little bit. I'm not usually a fan of all the repacks, unless it is stuff people had a tough time getting (or maybe weren't collecting yet), but the overall number of figures per year could be considerably smaller. Also, I'd like to see some of the "other" lines (retail ones anyways) trimmed back a bit. Everyone's tastes are different, but I wouldn't mind just seeing the 7" Unleashed continue running alongside the basic line in some capacity, and other than that, maybe some more Galactic Heroes. The other stuff doesn't really interest me, but I know that it might interest someone else. Going by numbers, I'd like to see things almost cut in half as far as the basic figures go. Maybe something like this:
Basic Figures - Maybe about 30-40 per year, most to all of them new figures. Repacks that make sense (VOTC/VTSC figures in particular, and other top notch ones from the other lines - Evo. Anakin/Maul/Vader, ROTS figures, etc.). Otherwise, if we're really going to get limited, I wouldn't mind seeing a VOTC-styled line - maybe closer to 12-20 figures a year, which would make the $10 pricepoint easier to handle. I know, I'd rather see the prices lower too, but I'm saying if this is our only option.
Vehicles/Beasts/Playsets - New ones are probably going to be few and far between, but 2-3 larger vehicles a year would be nice. Maybe 1-2 could be repaints/repacks (again, that make sense - I'm personally looking forward to the rumored AT-AT, Snowspeeder, and Imp Shuttle because I missed them the first time), and maybe 1 new one a year would be realistic. The $20 pricepoint ships are nice too, and can sell to the kiddos, so seeing that assortment continue would be good too. Beasts don't seem to be a big priority anymore, but I wouldn't mind seeing the Rancor, Bantha, TaunTauns, etc. get re-released at the appropriate times. A playset a year would be nice too, but probably unlikely.
Other Lines - Again, it depends on each person. The top two (retail lines, that is, not including Gentle Giant, MR, etc.) to me are the 7" Unleashed, and the Galactic Heroes. Here you have collectors and kids both covered, and in some cases, both. Again, don't overdo the Unleashed - we don't need 20 of them a year, but having a few 3 figures assortments in a year wouldn't be so bad. Galactic Heroes could be a little higher volume, since it is a relatively inexpensive (and small) line, although throwing a new ship or two into the line would be ok.
Exclusives - They can be a headache, but it is a way to get some other things we don't always see. Maybe some special figures here and there, preferrably repaints/holos if they are going to charge $13 or more for them. Sure, new figures are always better, but if we would - for instance - see a BARC trooper as an exclusive - I think we'd all be upset. Stick to things like the Shadow Stormtrooper and other repaints. Other than that, maybe vehicles/playsets/beasts would be good options in some cases. I also liked the glass sets, but I know some people have had more than enough of those. Plus, they could drop the figure and offer them cheaper. Maybe 3 packs of glasses for $10 instead or something. I'd also like to see things like the Rebo band again, whether it is exclusive or in the basic line. Maybe a nice box set that includes the whole thing together - the battle packs from this year aren't a bad idea - depending on the choices. You could set up some nice $20 battle packs with some nice choices. Just some ideas, I'm sure there are better.
Overall, yeah, I'd like to see things scale back a little bit. 2005 was my worst year ever for spending, and I thought this year would be better. It is, so far, but it isn't as much as I thought it would be. There just seems to be a general feeling of being overwhelmed for me, but that might just be me. Less figures overall, but more new figures, and a nice steady release schedule throughout the year. I could go with an average of 3 figures a month, or around 36 a year - especially if the brand in general is scaled back.