Obviously when the supply dries up but the demand is there the price rises, then it is the consumers choice on whether or not the piece in question is to the value of the rising price, as the demand is met whether by new product or the issuing of the old product in greater number, the exaggerated price of the item deflates to more regulated levels, it is the consumer who makes the decision whether or not to have it now and pay the higher pricetag due the fault of demand or to wait out for either a re-issue of the product or to produce an updated product and keep the buying price low. All of this rests on the decision making skills and the perceived value of the customer, I fail to see where your attempt to enter into an economics debate proves your original statement or bears any responsibility of the functionality of the market on said collectible on the company issuing it themselves.
Then your entire thread is a moot point. You simply asked the question on whether or not it is a good thing, by argument of your own you are now stating that it is because there as you put it cheaper and better versions on the way, I also agree with that idea with the thought that if you collect what you like then your perceived value of the item doesn't change because something new comes out. You are arguing semantics at this point and even moving to examples outside of the toy world to prove a point that doesn't exist.
Ripped off is subjective, relative to the way the consumer feels about the product unless the product itself is non-functional. If the piece works as advertised than the thought of getting "ripped off" is conditional to a person to person change in thought, it's a moot point.
Ironically you are arguing against yourself here. If you really x5 want the figure and save up for it thinking it won't be reissued again and in that timespan it isn't then buy it, you accomplilshed your task of owning a figure that you love. There is no depriving yourself of anything.
There also shouldn't be regret if you saved for 5 years to buy a figure only in year 6 to see it reissued and now you're pissy because it's a 1/3 of the cost. You essentially made your "quest" for the figure null and void and showed that you care more about quantity over this figure that you really x5 wanted. If it's impossible to afford based on your judgment then you'll never have it, plain and simple. If you really want it you'll find a way.
It is.
It doesn't. If the new 1:4 HT figure is $500 and they make 5000 or 500000 it doesn't change whether or not I think the product is worth the price on it. If that figure jumps to $2000, I make another judgment as does all of the buying society.
Supply and Demand affect cost but not consumer judgment on the value of said piece. It's a personal decision based on a collector and their wallet, any other "factors" is just justifications one way or another on whether someone will get it or not.
Right. Your quote was this:
I responded that I wouldn't. That isn't me liking to get ripped off (although if it helps you continue with your day feel free to think so) it's me saying that MY perceived value of a figure isn't based on what is new and flashy. It is based on whether I think the piece is simply to my liking and suitable to replace my current one or stop my quest for an older one. On your logic people wouldn't like classic cars from the 50s because there is a better version of it available for half the price in 2011 currency. It's a foundationless argument because what I perceive is valued and what you do differ (obviously) yet you chose to quote my original input into this discussion and engage so I'm responding.