Sorry, I disagree - deception is at the heart of KO manufacturers or there would be a big stamp on the box saying 'Non official product'.

In regards to Hasbro being denied the possibility to do Ultra Magnus with armor in the future due to City Commander - I doubt it very much it was even on their radar. I actually believe that its now more possible for Hasbro to do such things due to the success of City Commander but not before. Now they are more likely to pay attention instead of doing something half a$$ed because they know that a third party will then come out and benefit from their shortcomings - Yeah a garage kit upgrade means that an otherwise mediocre hasbro product will have more demand but I doubt Hasbro likes other companies benefiting from their short comings either.

HasTak had years to produce a G1 Ultra Magnus with armor but instead went forth with white Primes which got old quickly and naturally costumers became skeptical that it would ever happen and so did Fan Projects to their benefit.