I understand the frustration with exclusives, but its been part of the Minimate collector experience since day one. At this point, it is part of nearly any collector line. I feel bad for guys outside the US because there is added levels of difficulty, but it is what it is. I collect pre-production Minimates. If you want to feel true frustration, try collecting those!
My beef with exclusives is when they are impossible to find (not just difficult). Example: the Donatello SDCC EX that BHM mentioned. Either like two dozen were made (I jest) or someone is sitting on a giant stash of those. Where the heck are they and why do all other exclusives show up on the secondary market but never a EX Donny?
If I can help anyone outside the US get an EX Vinimate, let me know. I promise to do all I can.