On the lookout for MISB Headmaster Highbrow, Takara or Hasbro. I'm sure I could make you a sweet deal!
So they wanted a large transformer mold. I think Jetfire is more iconic than Thundercracker to non-transformers fans. So why pick him over Soundwave? Well Jetfire just looks 80s, he even looks a bit Robotech for people even more out of the loop. Plus SDCC has had JF previously as if that means anything.
I think JF was a good SDCC choice, just not for the TF collectors (but his ears are different) who have him already.
"I am not a gun. I'm hitting people with a hammer. On Mars."
The Iron Giant / David Wildgoose