The engineering of both DOTM Skids and Sideswipe aren't as clever as ROTF - and I suspect this was done to accomodate the Mech Tech weapon gimmick, which in itself is nothing more than a simple spring-loaded weapon. Both toys have Mech Tech ports which unlike say Mini-Con ports do have spring-loaded panels which 'cover' them up when there's no weapon inserted (that way there's no unsightly holes on the toy). A fairly novel concept, but of course, this means more parts and $.

I don't mind it on Sideswipe - but I only paid $19 for him... so I'd recommend him if you can get him cheap. But with Skids it just didn't work out that well.