... if we bought/didn't buy, or otherwise acquired different transformers instead of certain ones that played roles in our lives (be it big or small)?
For example, I often playfully wonder if things would've been different if I'd never gotten the Transmetal Depth Charge back in the day, as he was the last one I picked up as a kid along with TM Cheetor, and the main one I still paid attention to during my time away from the hobby. Like, even when all of my shit was in plastic tubs, he was the one I always kept in my room in some capacity (on my shelf, in my closet, floating around my my carpet, etc), and he was always a reoccurring character of sorts through my life because of it, even when out of the spotlight. He also represented a conclusion of sorts to "buying toys", and while this was obviously a fallacy, it still stood for some sort of growth nevertheless.
Also, would things have changed if I got Rampage instead, and looking even farther back... when if I'd begged my dad to get me G2 Hubcap instead of G2 Bumblebee?
Truthfully, I can't see that having much of a widespread effect (at least not without a hefty imagination), but I'm sure you guys will have better examples. I'm sure of it.