I don't see how an "ultimate" MacReady could be released without a flamethrower, I do think we might get some variations of the figure but nothing substantial, probably just some repaints
Their human figures have been getting better over the years, as far as the paint apps they could be better but these are cheap for a reason and in my opinion they're preferable than the majority of figures in the same price range from other brands, Mcfarlane comes to mind, their figures are terrible when it comes to paint.
My biggest worry with NECA has always been their shoddy QC though, every figure I've gotten from them has either come with something missing, broken parts or both in the case of the last thing I purchased from them which was the Kratos and Atreus double pack, missing pouches on the figures and Atreus's arm came popping out and his leg seemed like it broke and someone glued it back on, this was brand new and sealed in the package.
At the end of the day I'm just glad we're finally getting Thing figures, I really hope they do most of the Thing-creatures because that is their strong suit, but mostly hope this doesn't end up cancelled like the PCS and other offerings.