Hey man, sorry I started a separate topic for this issue in Saga... I should've known one of you would beat me to the punch and put it in the Announcements section (Which I didn't even glance at tonight... Duh me I guess).
I agree with the sentiments of others that some answers we got were not what we wished to hear... In some cases I doubt they're the answers that accurately reflect the facts either.
The issue of rubbery plastic for weapons was brought up to Hasbro before, and at that time they said it was industry standards forcing them to, now they say they're doing it out of the kindness of their own hearts? Something's strange there. And at a higher cost? Interesting... In my work with liquid plastics I've not found that flexible plastics cost more than rigid. It's actually quite the opposite.
I still feel that's more a cost-cutting issue more than anything else.
The other issue I found curious was the "Kids like action poses, not articulation" answer.
This basically goes 100% against the intensely strong sales of G.I. Joe to not only adult collectors but also to children. I think it's once again an issue where articulation is cut to save $ in a line that's retail strength has been waning in recent years.
Good news on the Sandcrawler of course though, for those who were interested in this vehicle (Seemed like quite a few people). It's not one I was looking forward to for various reasons, but it's good for those who were.
Now that new A-Wing, THAT is another story... Man I need 3 of those beasts!
