If you guys want an Gaim toy at this scale that has a transformation gimmick…you know that's what the AC figure is for right?

I don't think anyone is looking to this specifically for a transformation. It's just that it'd be great to have the transformation gimmick on top of the SH Figuartsiness.
That said, I doubt that the transformation gimmick is there, unless they include alternate heads with other armor.

I was hoping it would be permanently attached for maximum accuracy (no visible hinges, etc.). Although now that I think about it, the armor looks like a folded-up orange in the show anyway, so it's not an accuracy issue.

Yeah, those hinges are supposed to be there.