"ELITE OR DIE!!!!"
People here emphasize the elite thing a little too much. These are expensive toys, even if you can find good deals on them elsewhere.
Most of the exclusives are not important, just nice to have... except in some cases the exclusive defines the character, like everyone has been saying Rock N' Roll does.
Zartan Duke head: I just don't like it, even if the paint aps are better...unless it's just the lighting in the preview, but it looks terrible. I'm in the minority, I don't care.
Flints Sawed-off Shotgun: Pretty cool to have, it's essential he has a sawed off shotgun. That said, you can find lots of 1/6 shotguns that Flint can use. Flints the biggest let down, unless you're a hardcore Flint fan, I'd advise skipping this figure.
Storm Shadows Nunchucks: The original toy had them, but he never used them in the comics or cartoon, nor were they featured on the card art. Still a very cool exclusive, but it's not like if he doesn't have nunchucks people are going to say, "That's not Storm Shadow!"
Cobra Commanders Cane: It's cool, but he doesn't have to have it and rarely ever used one in any of the media.
Hawks Ex Head: I prefer the original, so the ex will sit in the parts box.
Dukes Binoculars: It's not going to affect the character without them, but they're pretty sweet.
Stalkers Sweater: This is a good example. For most people, they aren't going to use it and could care less, but it's pretty cool to some. It's not important to be "Elite", it just matters getting what you like.
Dusty's rocket: Give me a break.
Fireflys IED: Pretty cool they included this with the figure. It's a unique item, but it doesn't affect the character in any way.
Beachhead Unmasked: Doesn't get much use, not essential.
CG Fred: Doesn't look like Fred, and my CG's will always wear their helmets anyway.
Viper Head Gear: A helmet inside a helmet, brilliant. Just don't like the look. It's another one I'll never use.
Red Ninja, Ninja Viper & Black Dragon heads: These make the nameless ninjas actual characters. If you like Ninjas, ya gotta have em.
Timber Exclusive: Everyone who complained the first Snake Eyes didn't come with Timber and now that Sideshow did it, he's still in stock.
"ELITE OR DIE!!!"
Never apologize for wanting to be Elite™. 
