IMO the only thing "masterpiece" about these 3rd party figures is the size and price tag. And even size is not always to true. Too many examples of this to mention of so-called MP not-[insert G1 character name here] being way out of scale.
And I'm sorry but the whole point of the masterpiece line is to be as true to the look, feel and scale (post MP-09) of the G1 cartoon as possible and that
includes the transformation.
Some of the 3rd party companies think more joints and steps to transform or bigger size means it's masterpiece worthy. Completely the opposite IMO. The masterpiece line is a perfect example of less is more. And also, die cast does not a masterpiece make.
One of the best parts of the MP line is the seamless transformation. Its logical. I read the instructions once and thats it (ok fine MP-05 is the exception). I didnt even have to read MP-08 Grimlocks instructions.
I'm sure you guys can come up plenty of examples of good 3rd party so-called "masterpieces" like Quakewave but they still aren't true Masterpieces because they aren't made by Hastak!
And to the OP, regarding the MP line being threatened by these 3rd party companies, not in the least. Competition is always good. If anything, it give Hastak more ideas and chance to hear the fandom response and really give them what they want. Fans wanted more MP Autobots, well they got them didn't they?