Call me crazy here but I don't think there's a big deal to be had here people. Each person can do what they want with their figures. Couple of issues here:

A) Its televised entertainment for the regular public (ie not adult Transformer collectors)
B) He was a member of the baby boomers, who are the least likely to recognize the figure for what it is.

I mean, does it matter? Even if it was an original G1 prime, as big a shame as it would be it isn't worth this level of discussion or concern :\