Megatron Wolf wrote:why the hell is soundwave an exclusive but metroplex isnt?
So, you want Metroplex to be a retailer exclusive...?
Megatron Wolf wrote:And why TRU, hasnt hasbro learned no one likes TRU anymore? Great so now if i want soundwave im going to have to fight scalpers & pay top dollar cause TRU has to charge ridiculous prices.
This is probably more a market decision than Hasbro's. I think all North American Masterpieces (with the possible exception of the original 12" Optimus) were all retailer exclusives. Wal-Mart didn't seem to do too well when they had Starscream and Skywarp, having to clearance them to get them off shelves. I seem to remember Skywarp being reduced 50% within the first month of release. TRU obviously wants the exclusive and is paying for the right to carry it. Perhaps it's a bad business deal for other retailers, regardless of being an exclusive or not.
On the consumer end, I completely empathize with you. It's very frustrating to think that many collectors/fans may not get a TRU exclusive off the shelf because someone else is getting dibs at the entire shipment. Hopefully distribution will be better this time. I will say that I found MP Thundercracker hanging on a shelf about a week ago, so there's always a possibility of finding what you're looking for.