I morally object when it comes to making fraudulent counterfeits because I feel sorry for some people when they spend their money buying something that they actually believe to be a legitimate product, but have actually been deceived into buying an imitation. Like the KO Defensor with red Hot Spot (and other whacky colours), KO white Predaking and of course KO Devastator's shade of green is quite obviously different from the original (not to mention lack of chrome) etc. - people can see that these toys are pale imitations from kilometres away.Originally Posted by d*r*j
What I find more objectionable are say KO Mini bots, cassettes, G1 Optimus Prime, Autobot cars, Dinobots etc., forgeries which are made with the intention to deceive collectors. The toy and even its packaging are impressive imitations of the original product, making it more difficult for consumers to tell if they're real or not.
In terms of the moral argument, it all comes down to whether or not the counterfeiters are allowing consumers to make an informed choice. By lying and trying to deceive consumers you're obviously not trying to give consumers that choice.
Hasbro may not care, but as a collector _I_ do care -- I care very much if the toys that I'm collecting are legitimate or forged counterfeits.
It's the same with being any other kind of collector (e.g.: art, currencies, stamps, antiques etc.); I think most collectors with any sense of integrity would be very discerning against imitations. Collectors are also discerning against reproductions - you only need to watch any episode of the Antiques Road Show to see appraisers spotting very authentic looking reproductions which their owners didn't even know were reproductions (because these things are just so old). I personally don't mind officially made reproductions (reissues), but I won't have a bar of any illegitimate imitation.
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