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I concur.
I've experienced & seen similar instances with other companies in varying degrees.
I'm of the mindset that no matter how big a company is . . . don't ever forget to appreciate and interact with your loyal customer base.
Granted, it can be impossible at times for a variety of reasons. The companies are not in business to placate us, but in business to make $. They simply want our $ . . . which is the bottom line. With that said, there are methods on how companies acquire our $ . . . none of which spells out they absolutely have to keep us 100% satisfied, but close enough or marginally enough.
Look @ DML. They are nowhere near the diversity or output of Sideshow, but they keep a very simple formula when it comes to 1:6. Keep on producing 1:6 German (and Allied) figures. Granted, it's a tired formula, but it still works for them and they have branched out into different themes every now & then. Their customer/fan base is just as dedicated & loyal as Sideshow's with it's quirks and all.
One company I personally know told me if they interacted with their customers/fans all day, then they would not be able to get any work done for the company given their size & limited means.
Given the mindset & variety of views expressed within this forum, we are in all honesty a very fickle bunch and the perception can come off at times where we are way too demanding & picky, but the argument to that is . . . it's our $ . . . considering it's our $ . . . we have the right to be demanding.
Granted, it's subject to interpretation . . . however . . . the perception is the reality. Moreover, just look at threads & responses within this section & elsewhere for other licenses. Would Sideshow really . . . really . . . want to post and possibly add more fuel to the fire with any type of response?
The last time I was so incensed about QC was when the 1:6 TOMB RAIDER figure came out and I called Customer Service to voice my complaint and request a replacement. Their Customer Service took care of the issue in all fairness. I don't think Sideshow can continue to rest on the laurels of their Customer Service to make up for short comings in a variety of areas even though many collectors/customers continue to buy their offerings coming off as drones regardless of price, etc.
Yes. We can & will continue to always complain about whatever, but will the majority of us posting really stop buying because of QC, price, etc. compared to those who buy who don't even participate within this forum let alone maybe aware of this forum who may not necessarily be as enlightened when it comes to price, QC, etc.?