I agree, it would be a complete re-design to achieve that sort of 'cartoon' accuracy.
I completely agree with this, and I think they have kept to that even with the more recent toys like Inferno, it's just the ones like Hot Rod and Shockwave that don't have real world alt modes that have really been pushed further to animation accuracy than the rest in my opinion. I think the rest, Magnus included have been pretty well balanced. The 'realistic' alt mode lends a lot of credence to the 'robots in disguise' feel of the Masterpieces.
I think my answer is Maybe. I wasn't going to buy much of the MP-11 mould but I've managed to buy 3 versions at least. Sunstorm, Acid Storm and Starscream. I really do much prefer the alt mode of the original version over the new one. I'm also getting all 3 of the coneheads.
If they did design a new version that removed a lot of the faults of both existing designs and also maintained the superior alt mode design I might buy more. It would have to be priced competitively though.
I also agree with Gok that I think the original Masterpiece Prime design was brilliant. I can see where the MP-10 design is 'better' but I still love the original, I do find it a bit too heavy for it's own good though. The visible pistons, opening forearm panels, motion controlled leg vanes all contribute to a spectacular toy.
I don't think the MP-10 Mould is different enough from the styling of the rest of the line to justify replacing with a more 'screen' accurate version. A new Masterpiece prime would have to be an outstanding design to top the existing two.