Awesome article.
I don't have an extensive knowledge of Diaclone (I had no idea D-Black Tracks was so rare) but absolutely appreciate Takara's efforts. But like you the tampo'd insignia's bother me, especially when a figure like MP Shockwave gives you nothing but options, when what you actually wanted was tampo's.
I've found that I get more excited about these obscure homages than proper G1 cartoon versions. For some reason I have a soft spot for the oddballs