Crap like this makes me furious with Hasbro. I was a broke ass college kid when the FAO one came out and I had to scrape together $155.00 to get one shippped to me (despite a lack of electronics, pack in figures, etc...). Why did I do this? Because they specifically said that it would be limited to 5,000 and only be at FAO.
Now that I've got a job and a salary, the thing is going to come out again, for less than half the price, with figures, at a store near me.
********.
I understand your frustration, but I can't be mad when an item is later re-released... they specifically also said when the VOTC figures came out, that none of those would ever be released again in any form, but we're essentially getting the Stormtrooper again (aka the Tatooine Sandtrooper) and 3PO it the upcoming ROTJ set. Heck I hope all the VOTC figures are repacked again, and cheaper than $10-$12 a pop too.
Also I think you have to take into consideration that the line has a lot of years left, the ROTS line was very popular, etc; which changes things. I think they've got to space it out with repacks to supplement the new sculpts... if a retailer expresses interest in a large vehicle, then I would think they should jump on it. Imperial and Clone stuff is the most popular, and the only other large Imperial vehicle they could "repack" would be the AT-AT, which is already slated for TRU. Of course I'd rather see an all new vehicle like an AT-TE or Turbo Tank, but my dream of that might never happen (unless of course they are in the upcoming TV series and have a big role, so I'll keep being optimistic on it).
Another thing, if I died tomorrow I'd be happy I paid $150 for the Shuttle a few years ago and had it in my collection for as long as I did. But I do see being frustrated too.
