Well, I'm glad to see another Beast Wars fan join the ranks. ;):D
Really GD, there's not much I can impart on you that hasn't already been said. :o
My advice? - If you prefer MIB/MOSC then don't compromise because what you have working for you are 2 simple things IMO:
1. By limiting your BW collecting preference to show characters, you've drastically reduced the number of figures you'll need as well as the amount of money you'll have to spend. ;)
2. Whilst the MIB/MOSC BW figures may seem pricey, compare them to any G1 figure of the same status, a
MIB Optimus Prime: $355 (including postage) - a
MIB Optimus Primal: $140 (considered postage). :eek:
Personally, I think if you just pace out your spending/collecting, stick to show characters only and go with the original figures over the Telemochas (As they are the figures you saw and wanted as a kid ;)), you'll definitely be able to amass a beautiful MIB/MOSC collection and I truly hope you succeed dude because it is something I'd very much like to do down the track myself. ;):cool:
Also, unfortunately for BW figures you'll find it near on impossible to try and find parts to 'build a complete figure' so to speak because unlike G1, unfortunately :(, spare parts aren't particularly numerous and I'm currently in this situation with a couple of my own figures such as Basic Rattrap, of whom has been mentioned :o, I thought was complete until closer inspection (I'm missing that blasted gun!). :(
So yeah, you're kind of restricted to buying 100% complete figures or MIB/MOSC figures if you want a complete and whole collection of figures. :o
The good thing though is there is a number of well versed BW Collecting members on the board that will gladly help you out where they can and between Verno (Who I've bought from on a number of occasions) and Autocon who are selling a large number of 100% Complete figures - You'll have a large number of figures you'll be able to obtain should you find yourself unfortunately having to go with non MIB/MOSC figures. :)
Keep us posted though dude and again, if there is anything you need to ask? - Please don't hesitate. ;):D
Oh, by the way...