How many practical BW characters are there anyway?

Compare with G1 and its "cast of thousands", many of whom were repaints without considering Diaclone repaints, and the potential for comic book characters like Straxus or Windblade.

2 or 3 BW characters a year means that you chew through the prominent ones in a few years. Throw in 2 carbots with multiple repaints and a unique one like a Shockwave or Megatron and the year is looking pretty full and expensive.