[Matrixbeast]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurona

I think that's pretty much the opposite? Like, if they have to crowdfund Star Saber, then that all but guarantees we're never getting anyone else.

You have to keep in mind that Hasbro is still a corporation, with the ones in charge looking solely at character recognition in relation to character value.

Star Saber has not appeared in any cartoons in the West, in none of the films, has had no transforming figures released here, lost his chance in a popularity poll, and appeared in a niche (And unpopular) role in the IDW1 comics (A continuity that basically incorporated every random nobody, making his appearance there worthless)
Not only that, but he's an entirely new mold, with little to no room for redecos, meaning there is no room for recouping costs beyond the initial sales.

So I can honestly see it like this: Transformers team wants to make a new Star Saber, but the big wigs make note that he's not classic G1 and hasn't appeared in the West. So they compromise. If they can sell 11,000 copies to the fans via crowdfunding, that could open the gateway for Japanese characters at smaller scales.
Guys like Lio Convoy (Who would only be Voyager at best), Big Convoy (Leader), Dezarus (Commander to Leader)

It also makes sense to pick Star/Victory Saber from a monetary standpoint, too. He's the only character large enough to warrant this level of asking price.