VvV was available to everyone. It was during the VvV days that things really started to go sour. Hasbro tried something different w/ JvC and it didn't quite pan out. I'm guessing that VvV was already in full effect when Hasbro decided to let it gel. VvV, as a theme, was extended for another half year. Themes were supposed to be yearly. But VvV got extended. Why? It's my hypothesis that Wave7 of VvV was actually Wave1 of Robot Rebellion. We usually don't get 2 radically different molds for characters in 1 theme. Repaints, yes. But Wave7 had a new Snake Eyes and a new Overkill.

Instead of calling them RR W1, it was VvV W7. The DTC line, ALL those figures that were made (including the absent W4) were slated to be made. Amazon.com had a list of chars to be made and almost every one of them were made! (A prime example of a figure(s) not made was Dusty w/ Mech and Hotwire.) Amazon made the list disappear in a very short time too. (lol)

So VvV is extended. IIRC, at the same time, the fans found out that the Joes were going on 'hiatus'. People freaked. Then a short time later, 'we' learn about Sigma6. The RR cartoon is changed last minute to reflect the now-new S6 theme.

Those Skybats you were finding, a few months ago, you probably could've ebay'd 'em for a pretty nice price. HTS was out and only recently added them back to their stock! I know they're ugly and all, but it's about the ONLY trooper Cobra currently has and what else can you do? (well besides gripe, moan and cry!)