As for the financial side of things, I really find this announcement bittersweet, allow me to elaborate:
1) I do greatly admire SS as a collectible company and think that their products are top-notch, the PF and 12" figures pristine examples.
2) I want to support everything LOTR, and realize that these companies are first and foremost businesses, and they are getting their piece of the pie.
3) I still have a special fondness for all things Weta, and it is VERY hard for me to do any simple transition from their collectibles (which SS produced) to an exclusively SS product. Let's face it, we were so spoiled to have the actual crew making our beloved collectibles, it is hard to want anything else.
4) I also cringe that my hard earned $$$ is in some jeopardy with these new annoucements, and again I will state, I collect first and foremost because of my appreciation for the story; but having said that will not allow my family to suffer because of my addiction (
). If the bottom drops on the SSW pieces, I will be forced to sell them and re-buy them cheaper.
So I suppose a few 12" figures will be part of my collection, but I can't see myself collecting the majority by any means. In addition, again, balancing collecting and financial wisdom, neither the PF or the 12" seem to really hold their value.