Having not kept up with eBay etc sales of animated figures, those blackout prices are insane! I paid about $80 plus shipping when it was originally released and managed to get Wreckgar, Grimlock and Decepticon Shockwave from an otca member in Singapore that saved me a tonne of time and money later on (if memory serves only Grimlock got an Australian release).

If I had of known you were also interested in the Unicron trilogy beachcomber, I would have suggested emerging Rodimus, prowl, Starscream (one of my personal favourites, especially the ghost version), Cybertron hot shot/excillion, and if the budget allowed, the mega class coronation Starscream! He may be just a scaled up deluxe (and a simple one at that) but boy he displays well beside a Unicron and Primus.

If you want more interesting Unicron trilogy toys outside of your core three to hunt for, may I recommend the Cybertron defense trio of Scattorshot, hot shot and red alert (plus their original deluxe and scout class Scattorshot), Longrack, Evac, leader Megatron (na na na na na na batman!) And the stupendously amazing leader Prime from Cybertron and possibly scorponok and omega supreme from energon (assuming you have all the money in the world!!!) Armada I can't really go.past tidal wave, but again Goodluck to your wallet.