Because they were non-robotic vehicles that were "gathered" for formation.
Anyways, yes, I see very little play value in those toys, and little to no details on the vehicles to make up for their very simple and base conversions.
And could you imagine a kid trying to pull those toys apart? Looked like the adult was having to put in some force.
*cough*
I think that's what this toy is. Instead it came out detail-less.