I agree with everything that everyone has said here.
In terms of giving up the variant, I have a standing order for a complete set w/ variant at my LCS, so I get 4 packs anyway. I would be much happier with eight different characters rather than getting two copies of a character that wasn't that great to begin with (astonishing colossus, I am looking at you ). I like the idea of a variant, but I open all my mates, so the variant is just there to look different. I am still not sure what to do with my DOFP Wolvie...
I could go either way on the large scale mates. Sure it would be cool to have a scaled Hulk or a scaled Juggernaught, but DC's Bane and Killer Croc are lacking in the bulkiness, IMO. Bane especially is to trim in the chest and shoulders. At least with the Marvel's more powerful characters we are getting "powerhouse" versions with big chests.
I think that the next waves look so much better than the last waves. I am hoping that this is a sing of things to come. I was impressed at how many fan favorites are coming in the beggining of 2008. Lets just keep those release dates! Please :biggrin: