**FUNKO Flaw Needs Addressing**

[hawkswin2008]

Fellow FUNKO Mystery Mini Fanatics,

I have been an avid mystery mini collector for over 2 years now and am obsessed with these figures. The main draw i have to the figures is not knowing what your getting and the risk/reward of opening them. That being said, I have noticed a considerable change in my buying experience at Hot Topic and Gamestops this calendar year.

Case layouts are ruining the buying experience. Ever since the community has caught on to FUNKO's identical case distribution - at least where to find the rare figures - i have had 0% chance to find the chase figures. I have visited 3 different HT and 5 Gamstops for the walking dead series 4 and horror classic series 3 sets. Both have had the cases strategically ripped apart leaving the duplicate common figures behind. This has been a growing trend and has crushed the experience that initially drew me to collect these. Earlier this week I bought 5 HC3 figures....and received 2 Jaws and 3 Envira's (both are 1/6 most common). They told me to return today for a fresh case (And i did), and the case was reserved except for 6 (im assuming the 6 that were all common's on top according to posted layouts). This type of behavior has been happening more frequently and has me quite discouraged as the only way I can find the chase figures is now Ebay.

I know most people will say to just make them all 1/12 and this will prevent all of this. I disagree with this approach. I love the fact that there are 1/6 , 1/12, 1/24, 1/36, 1/52, 1/72, 1/144 and believe it should stay that way. This will give the sets / figures more value and appreciation to fans, artists, and collectors alike.

FUNKO - Please randomize the case layouts. Completely randomize the distribution so no case is the same as the next. I am not sure how complicated this would make the manufacturing process but there must be a way to do it. Employees hording and saving the rare figures from the every day customers must stop. This is becoming an increasing problem and has led to more and more Ebay poaching.

Just wanting to express my thoughts and get some feedback from fellow avid collectors in the community. Just an fyi - i currently have over 300 minis and nearly 15 full sets so I have had quite some experience buying mystery minis. THis has become a new trend as the popularity of the minis has taken off.

Looking forward for the discourse to come.

[Turtledoc]

I will be the first voice of polite dissent here.

I love layouts. If I want an entire set, and drop nearly $70-90 on a whole case, it is VERY disheartening to then go search for the rares only to end up with 10 copies of the duplicate 1/6 or the 1/12 figures that I can't do anything with. I am very active in several facebook groups and do a ton of trading there. Those figures don't trade well, because lots of collectors who want the whole set start by buying a case and thus start off with ALL the common figures already in their possession.

I share your love of minis, and am sitting at over 200 in my collection right now, with multiple completed sets. If the case layouts are completely random, I will be VERY unlikely to continue buying after the initial investment in a case. Instead I'll just have to resort to E-Bay to finish off the set.

Here is a recent example. There were a few pieces from the new horror set that I wanted. Using a layout I went out, found them (that slimer butt thought!), and found a few extras. Made some really good trades that helped me get a few older pieces that were around before I started collecting. Now I've turned my attention to the League of Legends set. That set is VERY random, and I'm already super frustrated. I bought a whole case, and then went around blind picking from others. So far I have 4 of the extra 1/6s, 6 extras of the 1/12s, and have only found one additional 'chase' figure. That means I've invested $70 more dollars and not even gotten the full complement of rares I would have gotten out of a full case. That is too rich for my blood, and it makes me unlikely to continue hunting for that set when I can't find the things I need.

Just my thoughts.

[wenhol8710]

Have to agree with Turtledoc. I rarely want an entire series of minis (despite owning nearly 200 total) and I don't enjoy buying a bunch of boxes only to get duplicates or things I didn't want that I have to either sell at a loss or have sitting around in a box in my closet.

If the cases become random, I'll likely just start picking figures up on eBay rather than end up wasting money on random luck.

As far as employees hoarding things for themselves, that's an issue of policy enforcing (or lack of policy) within their own company and quite frankly will always occur no matter what Funko does. Perfect example, I've seen a local store open all the boxes in a case to feel bags for what the employees wanted and then glue the rest shut to sell.

There is always the option to buy full cases from a lot of online sites as well if you want a guaranteed shot at the rarer figures without anyone else picking through them first.

[ShyGuyPal]

If the case layouts are completely random, I will be VERY unlikely to continue buying after the initial investment in a case. Instead I'll just have to resort to E-Bay to finish off the set.

I agree, it is much cheaper to buy off eBay or wherever instead of buying duplicates of figures you already have.

I'd like if they were all 1/12 and maybe a couple of 1/36 thrown in there (see: FNaF). That way collectors can get most of the figures with a full case, the blind-box aspect is still there, you don't get duplicates unless you dive into another case, AND you can still easily find the ones you want most of the time. They can make it random too, but I still prefer case layouts, especially if it was 1/12. The store can mix them up if they want, which is pretty common (intentionally or not). 1/6 and 1/72 are a pain to deal with, but I can see why some like the 1/72 chase. It gets bad though when you throw exclusives into the mix.

[hawkswin2008]

I agree with you all regarding getting figures you like and how it is no fun getting duplicates. However these are 'mystery' minis. They should be a mystery when you buy the box, not knowing what you will get. If you were supposed to know what figure you were getting, then they'd make the boxes have clear fronts and call them pops. I get it, but these layouts really take the 'mystery' out of it.

[Turtledoc]

It isn't like Funko releases the layouts and says 'LOOK HERE TO GET WHAT U NEED.' To have a layout some dedicated fan has to buy a case and be willing to share what they found. To know the layout you have to go looking for it. For me, that has been a bonus to buying a whole case. You get to make your own layout. Otherwise, it is fun to share and collaborate to figure out some of the harder layouts with people. The Dory set comes to mind, as that one had 3-4 static layouts. Also, the layouts enable me to help fellow Funatics when they are searching for specific pieces they can't find.

As for the issue of store employees, I am sure it happens. I can't believe it is a systemic issue though. 90% of the time when an employee sees me leafing through a case they seem completely surprised to learn the boxes aren't entirely random.

[Squird]

I prefer not to know the layout and go by the tried and true 'Test My Luck' method. Sometimes I get what I want, sometimes I get pieces I didn't know that I wanted.

As for store policies about employees and such...we're way past the point of needing them in place and enforced.

[butwevegotheart]

I will be the first voice of polite dissent here.

I love layouts. If I want an entire set, and drop nearly $70-90 on a whole case, it is VERY disheartening to then go search for the rares only to end up with 10 copies of the duplicate 1/6 or the 1/12 figures that I can't do anything with. I am very active in several facebook groups and do a ton of trading there. Those figures don't trade well, because lots of collectors who want the whole set start by buying a case and thus start off with ALL the common figures already in their possession.

I share your love of minis, and am sitting at over 200 in my collection right now, with multiple completed sets. If the case layouts are completely random, I will be VERY unlikely to continue buying after the initial investment in a case. Instead I'll just have to resort to E-Bay to finish off the set.

Here is a recent example. There were a few pieces from the new horror set that I wanted. Using a layout I went out, found them (that slimer butt thought!), and found a few extras. Made some really good trades that helped me get a few older pieces that were around before I started collecting. Now I've turned my attention to the League of Legends set. That set is VERY random, and I'm already super frustrated. I bought a whole case, and then went around blind picking from others. So far I have 4 of the extra 1/6s, 6 extras of the 1/12s, and have only found one additional 'chase' figure. That means I've invested $70 more dollars and not even gotten the full complement of rares I would have gotten out of a full case. That is too rich for my blood, and it makes me unlikely to continue hunting for that set when I can't find the things I need.

Just my thoughts.

I have to agree with you on this one. I love Mystery Minis, and I love the mystery aspect to them and not knowing what I'm going to get is part of the fun. With that said, when you keep getting duplicates over and over and over every single time you buy a couple, when you're trying to get certain figures, the fun ends, I end up really frustrated, and the mystery aspect gets old, at least for me. It's even worse when you don't have very many in a set, and you still keep getting duplicates. For example, when I was trying to get certain figures in the new Game of Thrones set, I kept getting Dany, Bronn, and Tormund duplicates every single time I bought a few, when I only had 5 out of the set (including those three). It got very frustrating, and it was a complete waste of my money. So I ended up looking at a case layout or going to eBay to buy a loose figure. The same thing happened when I was trying to get certain TWD minis. Most of the time, I don't even care about getting the rare figures, because I only collect minis of the characters I really love, which is the same way I collect Pops. So when I'm trying to get specific minis, I'm not even looking for the rares. I just want to be able to get my favorite characters, whether they're a 1/6 common, or a 1/36.

[swind15]

I'm torn on the topic.

Positives: Knowing case layouts help to complete collections and not waste as much money.

Negatives: Cases get picked over immediately, making it hard for the casual collector to cherry pick for themselves. It's also not that much fun when the mystery is removed.

Weighing both options, I'll have to go with the positives of planned case layouts. Personally, I rather save money at the end of the day and get the figures I want.

[Caius_Cosades]

The only minis I've had any interest in have been the Steven Universe and Doom minis. I've only recently gotten nearly all the SU minis I wanted (Save a variant and a couple HT exclusives) and was only able to do that thanks to knowing the case layouts. Without them, I'd have either wasted money on duplicates or had to pay $10-$12 ea for specific commons on ebay (WAY more for exclusives or rare minis) neither of which I was willing to do ( I only got the 1/36 I was missing cause someone on reddit actually sold it to me for a decent price). Despite being a HUGE Steven universe fan and loving the minis, without the case layouts, I'm not sure if I'd have bothered due to the amount of money I'd be looking ar wasting on dups and ebay prices.

Then there are the Doom minis which are a part of the Bethesda set. Of the Bethesda minis, only theee are Doom minis and I've literally zero interest in the rest of the set. Unfortunately for me, the Bethesda minis appear to have no consistent layouts. I refuse to take the crap odds that'll get any of the three that I actually like and I refuse to pay ebay prices for the Revenant and Pinky demons. So unfortunately, I've stayed away feom the Doom minis entirely.

I understand that they're MYSTERY minis but the while mystery thing isn't fun for me. It's literally nothing but frustration and wasted money.

I also feel that it's worth mentioning that case latyouts are often meaningless. Many places simply take a handful out of the case and put them on a shelf and many that do put them out by the case will combine cases.

I hope this is coherent. It's late and I'm tired and this whole post of mine feels like a mess, .

[PopGoestheJess]

If the cases were always random, I would never buy another MM at a store. I would just get them from Ebay. Sometimes the commons are cheaper on Ebay anyway. :P

[Valde]

I've quit collecting minis since the prominence of the case layouts and the IG account that shows them. Once you have he information of where the rare ones are you can't not use it. When I would walk into a store and I see a case with two missing I know it's a fools errand to by any from it. I've been burnt so many times over the past year I'm about done.

[sylin]

I find they're typically already 'randomized' because the rabid collectors go, take their pickings, then mess up all the boxes in a case. This happens a lot at Hot Topic, Wal*Mart, and Target. Minis boxes will be opened sometimes as well, and everything is just tossed around all over the shelves.

[hawkswin2008]

I've quit collecting minis since the prominence of the case layouts and the IG account that shows them. Once you have he information of where the rare ones are you can't not use it. When I would walk into a store and I see a case with two missing I know it's a fools errand to by any from it. I've been burnt so many times over the past year I'm about done.

I am starting to feel that way and am thinking about only buying full cases online and then Ebay the figures I still need/want. Nothing is more frustrating than a case with the 2 chase figures picked out.

[jagpop]

Agree with hawkswin2008. They should be randomized. If not, then remove the mystery element and advertise what mini you are getting.

[Quazimoto]

There's really no way Funko could completely randomized MM cases unless they want to risk the chance of sending out entire cases of one figure design. And could you imagine the backlash from buyers if they ordered a case only to received 12 of one character? The only logical way to randomize case layouts is to issue a directive to retailers that they mix up the case before stocking it on shelves. Any other method would just be too expensive from a business standpoint and run the risk of really ticking off your customers.

I do love Mystery Minis, but I also love having a case layout to go by. It's still not guaranteed because unless you actually see the store employee open the shipping case and stock the display case yourself, you don't really know if someone's messed with it before you get there, but it does give fans a better chance at pulling what they actually want if they aren't after the whole set. Plus, on a personal level, while I love the things, I just can't afford to keep buying and hoping I don't end up with a bunch of multiples of a few characters that no one wants because everyone already has them. 1/6 ratios have to go. No reason why any figure should ever be more common that 1/12. If it's a case of having to cut some figures due to licensing, then make variants of an existing one or something. Three different 1/6 figures in the latest Horror series is ridiculous.

[a99kitten]

I prefer not to know the layout and go by the tried and true 'Test My Luck' method. Sometimes I get what I want, sometimes I get pieces I didn't know that I wanted.

As for store policies about employees and such...we're way past the point of needing them in place and enforced.

Yep

and

Yep

[KMFH11]

I just go for it I never look at the layouts and just try my luck. And to be honest I rarely get what I'm after too. So I end up just buying the ones I really want on ebay or trade with a fellow funatic.

[kevintree]

I like being able to pick out the exact figure that I want, but I agree with the randomizing. It's not a BLIND box if you know exactly what you're gonna get!

[spaceprinx]

Honestly, as someone who is new to mystery figures, I love that Funko cases have predictable layouts. I only plan on completing one line: Steven Universe. I'm gonna buy a case online and then just hunt for the exclusives/rares. I collect blind figures from a few other lines (Tsum Tsum, Tokidoki), and lemme tell you: getting the SAME FIGURE three times in a freaking row is the biggest pain in my butt, especially when the figures are around $10.
I mean, I get that it sucks to see cases picked over, leaving only the commons. But at the same time, I'd rather deal with THAT frustration over the frustration of money wasted on duplicates/figures I don't even want.

[Mos_Eisley]

If the argument is that having case layouts makes it cheaper for the consumer, isn't that the opposite of what Funko would want when producing a mystery series?

[Mr Yac]

If the argument is that having case layouts makes it cheaper for the consumer, isn't that the opposite of what Funko would want when producing a mystery series?

sure if they wanted to be complete D-Bags, but thankfully they haven't noticed the amazing profit potential of just loading certain cases with 12 of the same figure just to p*** us all off

[ShyGuyPal]

I mean, I get that it sucks to see cases picked over, leaving only the commons. But at the same time, I'd rather deal with THAT frustration over the frustration of money wasted on duplicates/figures I don't even want.

This too!
Even then, if a case is picked over that doesn't necessarily mean the chase figures were taken. Funko doesn't stick to one case layout every time, otherwise it would be easy to always find the chase figures.

For example, from my recent experience with Horror Series 3, a guy in front of me at the store picked the front three figures as per where the chase figures would be in Series 2. However, he didn't realize that they changed the layout from Series 2 to 3, so I was able to go in and take the chase figures instead.

On the flip side of this, later I went to another Gamestop and tried my luck at where the chase figures would be. The case was clearly mixed up so I didn't get the chase figure after all. So now whoever goes in there and sees 3 missing might think 'darn the chase is taken', but really it's there just not where you'd expect it. You never know, that's why they are in the blind boxes in the first place.

[angeladominguez]

I don't like getting duplicates, just like everyone else.
But they are called "mystery minis" for a reason.
I like trying my luck, and getting excited when I find the chases.
I do have some duplicates now, but it's ok because I trade with other fanatics around SDCC/Fundays time, too.

There are time where if a case been opened, I will not buy from it - because I know it has been picked over.
If I can get a full unopened case from HT/GS, then that is better for me because I know I will at least get one of each, or rarely get a duplicate, and also most of the time there will be one or two chases.

[hawkswin2008]

1/6 ratios have to go. No reason why any figure should ever be more common that 1/12. If it's a case of having to cut some figures due to licensing, then make variants of an existing one or something. Three different 1/6 figures in the latest Horror series is ridiculous.

Totally Agree. I am not exactly sure why they would make each case be half filled with 1/6; let alone have duplicates in the case. At least make more figures 1/6 (preferably 1/12) and alternate which ones get in each case. I can only imagine how anyone would feel buying 2, 4, or 6 boxes and winding up with all duplicates 1/6's .

[Munky]

Agreed that 1/6 has to go. I wonder what drove them to do 1/6. What is the thinking behind it?

I ordered two boxes of mystery minis online, before I knew the new horror series had 1/6 in there. That means 4 Elviras(!), 4 Bruce the shark etc. I ordered two boxes thinking at least I had a good chance at the chase minis. I also expected to be picking up a box in HT. Just to be sure to have a chance of exclusives. That's 6 Elviras(!), 6 Bruce the shark, 6 Werewolves...

To me the layouts work.

You forget there are casual buyers as well as collectors.

The collectors do go in and pick up specific boxes - but if you go in and find four missing, what to do

The casual purchasers - like my son (7) is happy to get figures and excited just to see what he has. He shares his duplicates with me, or swaps them / gives them to friend at school. Whether they are random or fixed, he's happy to pick one from a half empty box. He's also happy to have some of my dupes (well that's me with 4 spare Bruce the Sharks, Elviras etc)

One thing he isn't happy about is picking two the same from the same box! Again 1/6 not cool!

[Poncho Pete]

I've pretty much quit randomly trying my luck in stores....odds of cherry picking too high. I think if there was an economical way to make every case different, it would be done. I assume the issue there is assuring variety in a case with a true random lot. I've been working ebay for most minis now.

[homietrav]

I stick with eBay when collecting minis. I have the worst luck with buying in store.

[ldfm]

Lots of good points and arguments.

I usually only like a handful of Minis, so the "mystery" aspect is almost too risky. But I don't like having to rely on eBay for ones I want... I hate having to pay more than what I could/should pay for.

A good predicament for me: I want the Alduin (dragon) from the Bethesda line. Since he is rarer (and heavier) chances are he's already gone from cases. Having to pay for him on eBay for 4x the price I could get him is kinda a hard pill to swallow.

[Adonia_skydazer]

Lots of good points and arguments.

I usually only like a handful of Minis, so the "mystery" aspect is almost too risky. But I don't like having to rely on eBay for ones I want... I hate having to pay more than what I could/should pay for.

A good predicament for me: I want the Alduin (dragon) from the Bethesda line. Since he is rarer (and heavier) chances are he's already gone from cases. Having to pay for him on eBay for 4x the price I could get him is kinda a hard pill to swallow.

Keep trying there are still lots of Bethesda sets around. I was just at hot topic in Houston and they had a full case of them sitting around. He is heavier and does not shake around in the box!

[RiaRoo]

I like the idea of having the layouts but I have never encountered a case in a store that hasn't been clearly messed up. I would love to just try my luck sometimes but I don't have the funds to get repeated duplicates of commons. I also don't generally want a whole set so it makes more sense for me to have a layout so I can get the ones I want. Right now I've been using ebay which is a pain cause of the prices. I'm tempted to try buying a case for the upcoming Disney Villains series. I wish HT sold cases!

[hellojayare]

I am fairly certain that Funko can randomize standard cases and the recent Bethesda minis are a perfect example. There are multiple assortments of this series and not a single case layout that has been confirmed to my knowledge.

[pop_jumper]

Everyone has already said what I would. But in short, if things get randomized, I'm buying figures off eBay if I don't buy full cases.

Even with case layouts, I feel like it's still a mystery. Unless you see the case get put out straight from the box, you have no idea whether or not you'll get what you're trying to pick for, because someone could have messed with it. Still a mystery.

[HaloHawk87]

I like having case layouts, so that I can pick out the ones I want, and there is usually only a small number that I want from each set. I have success the majority of the time, but this summer I noticed someone at my local Walmart (most likely an employee) was mixing the boxes up, which resulted in money wasted on ones I didn't want. I refuse to buy MMs from that store again. If it was completely random, I would stop buying MMs altogether. I can't afford to buy a large number of boxes, let alone a full case, and I don't want to have to resort to eBay.

[Oblong]

I want to first point out that if there were totally random (same ratios, just mixed randomly) that Funko would also have to standardize the weights on each box lest collectors start carrying around digital scales like drug dealers.

The name of the product says it all...MYSTERY Mini's but we all know that it's not a total mystery. Well, those of us who know to check forums/youtube/reddit/etc to get some "insider" info. I wouldn't doubt there are large numbers of casual collectors who are at our mercy.

I've been doing this 2 years now and have well over 300 in my collection. I've found the best way to collect, if you are a set builder, is to:

1. Buy a sealed case from a trusted source (EE, TW, BBT, etc). This should get you about 3/4 the set normally with no dupes..1/6 be damned.
2. Take some chances in the wild for some chase pieces at local retailers. This may get you lucky and/or create some trade bait doubles.
3. Find trading partners and/or hit ebay for the remaining few figures that Step 1 & 2 missed.
4. Rinse, repeat, with the next set.

Now with this method, it's only Step 2 which would hurt me not having that "insider" info on chase figure layout. Know placement has often netted me good trade doubles or those elusives to finish my set. I would likely turn to ebay more as the math for completing a set is far better than hoping for luck. But the other possibility is that in a total randomized situation that collectors will turn more to the old lost art of trading with fellow collectors. Not sure how well that could be resurrected considering the times.

It's definitely something to think about. I will say that I do appreciate Funko occasionally giving us simple 1/12 sets where you can just buy a case and be done. For a set collector that is optimal and for those just wanting a figure or 2, they don't need worry about it being a $50+ figure on ebay.

[ldfm]

Keep trying there are still lots of Bethesda sets around. I was just at hot topic in Houston and they had a full case of them sitting around. He is heavier and does not shake around in the box!

I should also mentions, due to where I live, I don't have the convenience of having local stores/shopping. I'd have to plan a whole day just to make it "worth" my time/travel. And if that where easy it'd still be too much of a risk rather than reward to travel an hour-hour and a half to pick up a few minis. I don't know, just one of the downsides to where I live.

[mohawkjones]

I am in the polite voice of dissent camp. Not being a completist, I pick and choose characters I like. Not a fan of getting doubles and I do not have someone to trade with so having an idea of the case layout is a huge help for me. At $6-8 a piece I do not care to just buy them at 100% random.

[Oblong]

What's kind of funny is that those who want the assortments to be stable also wouldn't want the boxes to be clearly labeled with the figure inside...or a window box like Pops which clearly show the figure. See they want the advantage for THEM and care less about others less fortunate who don't know ratios or get to the box after they have swept it clear of the chase figures.

It really is nothing short of pillaging that is going on with case maps. 1st come, last served.

Get rid of the ratios, make everything 1/12 and people would leave the hobby because the profit motive is gone. $50+ toy 3" plastic figures is absolutely ridiculous when you really think hard about it. As soon as a figure gets that expensive along comes someone with a 3D printer and some paint. China is already making fakes for profit. It's only a matter of time before there is a huge market correction for these things as has happened with every "forced" collectible hobby in the past. Hopefully you are collecting for fun and enjoyment and not some college plan for little Joey.

I cringe at every 1/72 or HT exclusive figure of a character I want or if I am trying to make a complete set. Half the items on ebay right now are from scalpers who have zero interest in collecting these things, they are solely there to profit off a collectors desires. As long a we are willing to shove double, triple, or more over retail price then they will be swooping in ahead of us relentlessly at our favorite mini retail locale. Take away the profit motive and the mapped out cases and then the chase would equalize for everyone. But getting back to my original point, people want that advantage and taking it away would be devastating. Fair is not fun for the person with the advantage. /realtalk

[wenhol8710]

What's kind of funny is that those who want the assortments to be stable also wouldn't want the boxes to be clearly labeled with the figure inside...or a window box like Pops which clearly show the figure. See they want the advantage for THEM and care less about others less fortunate who don't know ratios or get to the box after they have swept it clear of the chase figures.

I'd actually buy way more minis at retail instead of on eBay if they weren't a "mystery". I want the figures I like for my collection, not a gamble. But that's just me.

[Caius_Cosades]

What's kind of funny is that those who want the assortments to be stable also wouldn't want the boxes to be clearly labeled with the figure inside...or a window box like Pops which clearly show the figure. See they want the advantage for THEM and care less about others less fortunate who don't know ratios or get to the box after they have swept it clear of the chase figures.

It really is nothing short of pillaging that is going on with case maps. 1st come, last served.

Get rid of the ratios, make everything 1/12 and people would leave the hobby because the profit motive is gone. $50+ toy 3" plastic figures is absolutely ridiculous when you really think hard about it. As soon as a figure gets that expensive along comes someone with a 3D printer and some paint. China is already making fakes for profit. It's only a matter of time before there is a huge market correction for these things as has happened with every "forced" collectible hobby in the past. Hopefully you are collecting for fun and enjoyment and not some college plan for little Joey.

I cringe at every 1/72 or HT exclusive figure of a character I want or if I am trying to make a complete set. Half the items on ebay right now are from scalpers who have zero interest in collecting these things, they are solely there to profit off a collectors desires. As long a we are willing to shove double, triple, or more over retail price then they will be swooping in ahead of us relentlessly at our favorite mini retail locale. Take away the profit motive and the mapped out cases and then the chase would equalize for everyone. But getting back to my original point, people want that advantage and taking it away would be devastating. Fair is not fun for the person with the advantage. /realtalk

That's awfully presumptuous of you... As someone who is for the stable case layouts, I'd be even more for making the boxes windowed and removing the "mystery" from the minis. I don't enjoy wasting money on something that I don't want. It's the same reason I typically refuse to partake in Hot Topic mystery releases, cause I do not want or need 3 of the same figure.