>>6531717Honestly, there's no bad releases right now in the HMR line, everything is pretty darn great so if you have a design that you really enjoy go for it!
Personally, if I were just starting, one thing I'd be sure to pick up would be the web exclusive Regult 2-pack:
http://p-bandai.jp/item/item-1000116684You get two Regults each with unique markings, plus missile AND standard Regult parts. I absolutely love having "bad guys" for my toys to fight and Regults are ideal for that, plus you can't have too many Regults, haha. The HMR Regults are great toys, and with the single release long since out of print (and wildly expensive on the aftermarket) the 2-pack is a timely release. This would wipe out half your budget, but you should still be able to get a couple VF-1s and maybe a Destroid.
In terms of VF-1s, I would try to get something that came with armor parts (they're just very well done, Hikaru's VF-1S is probably my favorite), but unfortunately most of those have shot up in price on the aftermarket. I think a good alternative would be to grab Hikaru's VF-1J and a cannon fodder VF-1A. Both are fairly readily available and you should be able to get them for near MSRP. No armor parts among them, but they are up-to-date molds (so they include the optional mini-wings for battroid, which I love) and make for a good, iconic Macross TV team.
Also, both the Defender and Spartan destroids are superb figures. Weighty, detailed, and fantastic looking. I slightly prefer the Defender just because I like the design (plus Battletech nostalgia, haha), but you can't go wrong with either one.
