Classics vs Masterpiece

[Toph]

Should Classics or Masterpiece become the default collectors range?

Let me explain a few things about this question:
First, by Classics, I mean any modern mainline update of a pre-existing character. Classics, Universe, Timelines, Generations, Reveal the Shield, and so on.

Now, what I mean by my question, there seems to be what I believe is still an extreme minority, but a growing vocal one, that compares everything that comes out, classics, 3P, or otherwise to how it looks with an MP, regardless if it's intended to be Classics or not (leader jetfire, leader megatron, quite a few 3P stuffs, being some of them).
I've also seen some MP collectors telling Classics collectors there's no reason for a more accurate voyager G1 Optimus because MP10.

My personal feelings are no, it should not become the default collector range.
They come out way too slowly, there are far far fewer characters who would ever be considered for it. It caters to an extremely limited market, and are extremely expensive. It's a line that hasbro has no real vested interest in, and does not take seriously at all, by making their releases unrealistically expensive (Prowl is $70? REALLY?!? For a voyager toy that if you're smart you can import for ten dollars LESS?), and extremely hard to find.

Classics is a far more collector friendly range that allows for a lot of experimentation, and representation. Easier to come by (usually), and considerably cheaper.

Ultimately I don't think MP should go away, or people stop collecting and enjoying them. But I do think the MP collectors seem to sometimes think they're becoming the base collector instead of the niche.
Those are just my opinions. What are yours?

[Shockprowl]

What a good question CJ.

Very interesting indeed.... I am a lover of the MP. They're the ultimate updating of the toys I collected as a child. They are my 'main' collection. But I have a decent Classics collection as well. My first instinct was to vote MP, but you raise some good points, CJ, about MPs being more of a niche market. So, although MPs are still the main focus of my collecting, I think, for the G1 based collector, considering the expense and infrequency if MPs, I've voted Classics, as it's excessable, far more numerous, and I suppose better value for money. Classics are the starting point, Masterpiece are the ultimate expression. Meaning, Classics you have epic battles with, Masterpieces you display nicely 'cos they're so pretty!

[Bogatan]

I'd opt for neither in truth.

To me neither is the default collectors range because I collect them all. I take the animated part of my collection as seriously as the G1, BW, MP and the rest. Animated* was new, classics a continuation and MP a (high end sort off) nostalgia. People are going to have preferences but end of the day they are all just toys.

*ditto Prime or the movies if they are your preferred line.

[Stomski]

Depends what sort of collector you are. I'm tired of always having to keep up with Classics and the thought of 3 or so a year high end figures is actually a plus for me!

Plus classics ranges are getting smaller these days and too expensive for what they are.

[Llama God]

Likewise, I'm going to have to opt for "neither". Mainly because I'm a collector of things I want to collect, and just because something as labelled as a "collector" line it doesn't necessarily mean it's something I actually want...

But yeah, I'm not actually a high-end collector, I just pick up the bits or pieces that I like the look of. Or that are on offer, cheap. (This is a hobby for collecting *toys*. If I wanted to spend hundreds of pounds on stuff... I'd go back to high-end PC gaming, or take up a coke habit, or something...) I don't usually collect enough to even come close to having a complete line. Often it's just that line's Optimus Prime...

Both Generations and Masterpieces have their merits, though. Masterpiece is generally more detailed, but Generations can be cheaper and, as has already been stated, more fun. For example, much as I love the Masterpiece cassettes, I have a lot more fun with the auto-changing FoC Generations data-disks.

So yeah, for me it really is on a per-figure basis. And, as I always say, cost. If I have a choice between a single Masterpiece Prowl, or Generations Leader Jetfire and an additional figure or more, I'll always go for the latter.