I tend to wait for sales if I really want it for parts... K-Mart running two $4.99 figure sales back-to-back was a help too. I got Dooku and Ventress on pricematch for that, just for their sabers and the holo-figures which I felt were "good enough" for realistic figures.
Bane... I may pay full price for actually. That's my dilemma really. I think I haven't bought anything full price that's animated so far, except IG-86 which I really feel is good enough for the realistic line. I'd like more Clones for the rocket launcher, but even at $5 that's not worth the cost by a longshot.
I just sort of stand back and admire the animated guys for their sculpts... If I see something I can use, great, but generally I find the figures not so great for customizing. Bane may be an exception though, as the alien physique lends itself a little better to less animated and more realistic looking. His over-the-top slight build hampers that though. I'm thinking a ST figure as a base with various parts from Bane though, could make a good realistic one.