I bought back just a MG Exia from Japan and recently completed it. It's my first attempt at a kit and i gotta say, i think they're great value for money (in Japan anyway!). Heaps of time to build and apply decals (no painting for me) - still deciding whether to panel-line (scared i'll bork it since it's my first attempt!) But building it, i found it's just a great way to relax after a long day. To Goktimus, i don't particularly think this model kit is unplayable in any sense; perhaps more recent kits hold together better than they used to?

I really want a PG kit but the boxes are just so big to ship, and i can't bring myself to pay the markup in Australia IMO the PG 00 doesn't look that hot, some of the proportions are off - actually all the things that Ngee Khiong said in his blog hold true for me too I'd rather get the PG Astray Red Frame, also since 00 is so similar looking to Exia.

MG wise that new Astray Blue Frame 2nd Revise looks to be awesome.

BUT my most awaited G-thing at the moment is Super HCM Pro Unicorn Gundam - despite some parts swapping I think they've done a fantastic job for the size. SHCM are pricey, but worth every penny i reckon.