Hmmmm...well, a lot of riders use cards, that's a signature trait of riders (at least it is to me), so when something is used as much as we've seen it- can you classify the cards of KR as mere traits or actual gimmicks?

Does that make sense...I'd like to think it does...lol

It doesn't, but I understand? Again, color to blind people level confusing here.

(Lifts hand) Confused high five?

Something that you can't call a gimmick...what about this:

If everybody has it, then it's not really a gimmick?

Like: most riders typically have a balanced combat form, sword form, gun form, and ultimate form.

Would you classify those as gimmicks or common traits? Because it doesn't really set them apart of they all have it.

Form changing is a gimmick in and of itself.
However, the key difference that you're trying to convey is the toyetic nature of it.

Den-O and Kuuga's different forms are inherent to the belt. Ghost and Gaim's are not.
Kuuga changing forms needs a press of the button. For Gaim to change forms, you need to buy another lockseed. So, as a result, Kuuga's form changing doesn't come off as gimmicky.

Summarized perfectly.

While true, I feel like there are those in the latter category that don't feel... toyetic? At least, not primarily. Mostly W and OOO. I guess it's just... Gaia Memories and Core Medals kind of work as an idea without being a toy. Like, I could see both concepts being used without needing to make a toy out of it. Maybe it's just me though.

Looking at Japanese actors I think wow Takeru Satoh has become so popular he is one of the best actors in Japan now. To think he started as a Hero named Kamen Rider Den-O.
Curious about what other actors have became or recently become popular, with getting movies or dramas that started in Kamen Rider or super sentai.

Philip's actor broke out after W, I hear he's so busy that the reason he doesn't come back to voice Philip is due to popular demand. Tendou's actor was in Black Butler's live action adaptation, wrote a book and even appeared in an American show

Joe Odagiri from what I understand is a legit actor now. Well reknowned, recognized, etc.