[Lazer]

I feel where you're coming from. After so many years of relying on figure purchases through online venues, because it was always pretty difficult to track down the stuff in person, the online market has basically turned into an "aftermarket" option.

Only second to finding what you want at the brick-n-mortar option (Wal Mart, T'R'U, Target etc...) buying online limits you to a few big sites at sometimes discount prices depending on how close to launch you are making your purchase at. If it's several months after launch you have to resort to "collector" prices, which is a definite hassle. But this isn't new either.

I recall when Toy Biz's original Marvel Legends launched I just so happened to stumble upon a series 1 Toad figure that for whatever reason was fetching stupid prices online. To this day I have never sold it. $14.99 off the shelf at EB Games and the only reason I kept it was because it felt like a turning point to me...the box is crushed and worn and not in good shape now. That's exactly how I feel the toy industry has evolved in my eyes since 2002, I don't collect mint in box, I like to open and display. The only figures I left in the box are only there waiting until I can figure out where to display them.

You're not wrong though, it almost seems like figure hunting online has become almost as difficult as finding something in your favorite store for MSRP...