My view on this is that Sideshow is very inconsistent with their products.
They absolutely knock it out of the park with some stellar figures here and there (ROTS Kenobi, ANH Kenobi, Palpatine/Sidious, Leia Boushh), but more often than not their figures have questionable issues (zombie-eyed paint apps, mismatched hair color, monkey arms/hands, oversized heads, questionable material substitutions, etc...and of course the Buck). In the past, it was easier to swallow because SSC had prices much lower than HT (Medicom not included because they themselves have their share of serious problems--namely overpricing and brittle/fragile bodies).
Now we've entered an era where Sideshow's prices are rivaling Hot Toys, but the quality hasn't really increased to match the price in the grand scheme. Based on pictures, CW Obi-Wan and Snake Eyes look to be worth every penny, but then we have figures like ANH Luke and Ki-Adi that represent a step back in one or more areas (Ki-Adi especially for using the Buck and with very few accessories).
In these financially-strapping times, collectors by and large don't have the kind of disposeable income they had two or three years ago, so they have to be very discriminating with what they buy. They need to know that every hard-earned penny they spend is going to be well spent. I don't feel Sideshow is meeting that expectation--especially with the sharply increased prices and disproportionate quality. Hot Toys, on the other hand, is meeting those expectations. Their Dark Knight line in particular demonstrates a company that is producing a product that is worth the price being charged, and their Mark 3 Iron Man looks just as promising.
Of course, it all comes down to a simple choice: 1) either you feel a product is worth it and you buy it or 2) you don't feel it's worth the cost and you skip it. Sideshow will continue to do business as they see fit as long as it remains profitable and their items sell out. If collectors are looking to send a message to Sideshow, then b**ching and moaning alone are not going to do it. Yes, it's good for venting, and I think everyone here needs to be respectful of another's right to do so (just like they have the right to vehemently defend the product).
But if you want Sideshow to step up their game, don't buy the item if you're not happy with it. When sales start to drop, they will have to look at customers' complaints/criticisms and rectify it. But if people just complain about things and then end their rant with "...but I will/have bought it anyway", then don't be surprised that nothing changes.
So to recap:
1) Venting (even if overly harsh/"whiny") needs to be "A-OK" without others criticizng that person (don't make it personal)
2) Make a statement with your wallet: don't buy it if you don't like it
And most importantly...
Remember that this is supposed to be FUN!!! Dozens of pages arguing over tunic material isn't all that much fun. After awhile, it's a dead horse that just won't die.
Hmm...should we have a "Zombie Horse" smilie, perhaps???
So there's my two cents...for what it's worth.
