Eddie summed it up pretty well:
But yeah, 1:18th Marvel fans reeeeeally need to count their blessings. Compare what you've gotten compared to what 1:18th DC fans have gotten. When you say it could be worse, DC is a prime example of just how much worse it could be.
While I certainly want well-sculpted, highly-articulated $8 figures, I realistically understand that's not going to happen.
Yes, the price SUCKS. But when they only produce two waves a year, and I only pick up three figures total out of those waves, the price becomes pretty irrelevant. I start comparing them to the price I'd pay for a custom cast head and another figure or two for donor parts to make a custom, and it's not too hard to justify.
And the limited articulation SUCKS. But when you compare it to Joe figures... oh wait, you can't because they don't make them anymore. When you compare them to SW Black figures, they at least aren't charging us $12-14 for f*@#ing Marvel figs w/t-crotches! When you compare them to the DC line, then it's tough to compose your thoughts after spending considerable time on the floor laughing at Mattels *attempts* at 4" figures.
So the better question is, even though MU is far from perfect, who exactly is doing it better AND cheaper? Who does MU compare unfavorably with? Yeah, they don't have the articulation they used to, and they cost more than they used to... but what line/franchise/company is beating them at this game on price, articulation, and quality?