Why did they release GOLD versions of the Series 1 Figures?
It is a simple rule of retail, really. An action figure production mold (or sets of them) cost a LOT of money make, copy and upkeep. They are constantly subjected to extreme heat and gooey plastic, so they are frequently cleaned and/or replaced. When a company stops making certain figures, like McFarlane Toys did when they stopped making Series 1 figures, then the molds and their castings sit and decay. If you can find a new use for the mold, like making Repaints or GOLD editions of figures, then the return on the investment suddenly and dramatically increases! Basically: Keep using old molds = decreased production costs = increased profits. Hasbro/Kenner and Toybiz have all caught on to this practice, as many of their figures and vehicles are all made twice (repaints) or made from old molds.
