Some interesting discussion in this thread, that's for sure.
I think part of the complaining about the price comes from our fractured "wants" as collectors. Some want cloth goods, 5 layers of paint aps, working holsters, ball jointed elbows, and everything else I'm forgetting. Some like the animated look, others only want realistic. Others keep them carded, so articulation is moot, but card art or photography is important. Some are openers, and stand them up in rows, so packaging and articulation may be back burner items. That leaves a lot of people unhappy no matter what the big H makes, or how much it costs.
In my biggest collecting days, I was an opener, and army builder. The troops pretty much stood in formation, so articulation was cool, but almost no knees have ever been put in the "bent" position. I would rather pay $5 for a reasonable likeness with less articulation than 7-8 (or more) for features, packaging, pack ins, etc that I don't personally use.
I guess my only point is, no matter which road Hasbro takes, some will love it and the price will mean less, and others will find fault, and have a harder time justifying any price but clearance.