That's already better than the semi-custom one that was floating around 10 years ago or so. Who was selling it again? I think the same guy was selling some kind of Headmaster Arcee as well.
Why is it an easy pass? Is it the money? the design?
Since you've thrown out the question - Why make these things?
I'll throw out some random answers that might be true or not true.
a) to make $$
b) to stimulate the fandom's imagination
c) to be able to create something
d) to make something different and new
So many different possible answers. If companies didn't try to make something new or people didnt try to do something different - can you imagine how boring things would be?