I totally agree. I much prefer the 1989 Pretenders because they do have non-anorexic robot modes and identifiable alt modes. A lot of the 1988 Pretenders transform into "WTF?!" alt modes - and as Paulbot said, some of them are too reliant on accessory kibble (Gunrunner is arguably the worst in this regard). The 1989 Pretenders transform into vehicles or robotic beasts, whereas a lot of the 1988 Pretenders transform into folded up robots. The '88 Pretenders are more like contortionists.
"He's a grand, ungodly, god-like 'bot, Pretender Longtooth; doesn't speak much; but, when he does speak, then you may well listen. Mark ye, be; Longtooth's above the common; Longtooth's been in colleges, as well as 'mong the Mecannibals; been used to deeper wonders than the waves; fixed his fiery lance in mightier, stranger foes than kluds forewarned."Originally Posted by Gutsman Heavy
Cap'n Ahab'd!!