Do we actually know how bug this toys is? My guess is that Laserbeak makes up some of the cost and he is probably not that big for a voyager. Which I woulde prefer.
But yes I don't really see the point in making another WFC Soundwave so similar to the previous one, I guess it is this same strategy as with Prime and the Movie make multiple sizes of popular characters, but still.
The repaint looks ok as there is less ground being rehashed, but I'm still not convinced. I wish they'd make a new classicverse style sound wave who turns into an American sonic pain ray truck. the fact that such a weapon no exists makes it the perfect alt mode for a modern Soundwave.