I've hesitated to join this fray because I detest confrontation, but it's gone past the point where silence is acquiescence.
I disagree with all suggestions that Rainman has done anything improper here. There's nothing wrong with showing a courtesy to patrons who have supported his work for a long time, and he has no obligation to disclose how he chooses them, or how many there are, or the fact that they exist, or what countries they reside in, or anything else about how he runs his business. Rainman doesn't owe anyone an "equal chance," period.
To have opened the door to a larger edition after the original edition size has been announced is a risky step for an artist who produces limited editions, and his having done so shows, to me, an unusual concern for those additional collectors who love this particular character and this particular figure.
I hope any VIPs will show a generous spirit, and not abuse the special place Rainman has afforded them, but tell him to go ahead and expand the edition.
To those who've made cracks about how much money he's made, or dictated what he should have done or should do now: these are glib comments, armchair quarterback comments, and Rainman deserves better.
To Deckard: your suggestion that any VIPs on this board owe you an apology or a disclosure is....way out there, it's approaching Captain-Queeg-and-the-strawberries territory. Hydeous was right. Take a break, get a breath. Come back to the computer at race time and get yourself a "Dude" figure. I truly hope you get one. This has really bent you out of shape. It's been painful to watch you melt down. But having sold another valued piece doesn't entitle you to anything. It was always a crap shoot. Rainman is asking his longtime buyers to release him from a bond so he can fulfill your wish. I hope they do. I hope they do.
