Nice analogy. I think I will use that from now on as well
As for 3rd party products, something that compliments my Classics figures (UM upgrade, Roadbuster upgrade, etc...) I find ok in my books. I already paid for the base figure, but I thought it was lacking a bit. These just make the base figure even better and a more G1 look. Defender (If I had mine) would be on the same page for me, even though it is a figure in itself, but the fact it fits in with my Classics figures is fine.
Then you have these bloody targetmasters, that have no real appeal to me because they do not add to the Classics feel for me. Easy pass for me. And the legends BB and CJ, I have the deluxe, why would I want them? Those are purely a cash grab.