Optimus Prime wrote:

QUOTE:
To me, it's purely variable.

If it's a G1-accurate Remake/KO being sold as a KO, it's okay.

If the seller attempts to pass it off as a Vintage original and sells it at a higher price, then it's a no-no.

Other than that, those streetside type of KOs are fine, since they do not actually purposely or successfully fool the experienced/seasoned collectors.

Personally, I got a KO Metroplex a week before Encore Metroplex was announced.
Sure made me very perplexed. :(

Agree with the first point made by Optimus Prime. As long as seller is not trying to pass a KO/Remake as an original I'm fine with it. Before the encore series, these remakes offer collectors an opportunity to own a vintage style MISB version of G1 toys (of course there were some differences in the boxart, etc but we shadn't go into that yet). Price was of course not attractive if you compare to current encore prices but at that point of time, the prices sure beat trying to buy a real G1 toy in C8-9 MISB condition.

But with the release of Sky Lynx, Omega Supreme, etc in the encore series, there's less demand for these remakes as everyone's hoping that the toys they want will be released under the encore series.

I myself have bought a few remakes and this came about after I got the VINTAGE KO version of LioKaiser. It's almost as good as the real thing. And mind you, it's not those cheap KOs you find nowadays. This was from many many years back (thus a Vintage) and can cost up to a few hundred dollars in the proper condition. I was lucky to get both versions and after comparing them, it's consider pretty well-made. Size is the same, etc.

I've posted some pics of my Liokaiser sets in my online album.

Genuine Liokaiser - http://unicron.fotopic.net/c556791.html

KO Liokaiser - http://unicron.fotopic.net/c726040.html

Other vintage KOs can also be found on my online album.