It is all about options and this offers one that will suit some and not others. Every comment I have ever read about something 'being worth it' or 'not worth it' would have been far more accurate if it had the addition of 'for me' at the end of it. It is all a personal choice that reflects our values, income, broader responsibilities and a variety of influences relevant to the individual. People on this forum buy expensive Russian figures. They are not worth it ... for me. I do not look really closely at figures so I get as much pleasure from a cheaper figure and do not notice the difference in quality unless someone points out something to me and then I notice it ... but I still don't care. That has nothing to do with the figures but merely reflects a wide variety of personal things about me of little interest to other collectors.
People will look at this tank and say 'too dear ... for me ... for what you get'. They will go without, or buy a model and make it, or stump up the extra cash to buy a better one. It is an exercise of their rights as a consumer. Others will say 'Spot on', buy it and hopefully enjoy it. They may progress to the 'better' versions, they may spend what they save on figures, they may mix and match, they may be more prepared to purchase one as a Christmas gift for a relative, they may rediscover plastic models ... who knows. What is certain is that any new movement in the hobby is good for the hobby as a whole. P figures too dear, cheap releases not good enough, or ranges not pursued are merely criticisms that reflect a person's own situation, as indeed my views reflect mine. It does make it tough on a company when they simultaneously get a serve for rising prices and for exploring cheaper options.
I for one like going into my TS shop and finding it crowded and people buying across a number of ranges and price points. It is good for me to have people interested.I have just purchased two going away TS gifts for staff members at workplaces I am involved in - one an ex soldier and the other with a strong family connection to the ALH. I never offer to pick up presents. I prefer to criticise other people's choices behind their backs! One now has a rocking collection of five figures and the other received his on Friday (a Naked Army Figure) which he loved. Both got a K&C calendar and one has promised to come to next year's K&C dinner and bring his son. If he has an interest in armour, I can now show him the plastic Sherman and a couple of the rocking K&C armour releases and he might buy neither, he may buy one, he may buy both, or he may do the maths and buy figures instead. The choice is a valuable incentive.
