Even besides a fucking LOAD of plastic I, myself, never understand this classic collector's approach. Like, yes, they gather dust, but if you can afford them (and the vast majority of collector editions are fucking expensive), you can probably afford a good glass display. Or at least partly glass. If they are simply piling somewhere in your storage room, what's the point? I'm not a collector, who builds a collection.
For most of guys who I personally met and they was wired that way dolls and figurines are a trophy. Like a stuffed rhino head on the wall of a safari-enjoyer and probably poacher's house.
I'm merely a good host or a head of the family figure, who invited guests or found his lost family members. They are never just Cleo or Toralei or Venus, or Elanna or Ray to me. They are Hatshepsut, Camille, Freya, Zhai and Amir.
Figurines are even worse in that regard. I've preordered CuChulainn figma once. And when, after almost a year of waiting, he finally appeared, I've unboxed him and play like for hours trying action poses with his awesomely holding stand. Because the stand allowed me to even set him as if he hits someone with his spear in one of his mad leaps. He is a very active character, agile and fast. And it was awesome.
But in the box he was... Like, you know, dead. Like in the coffin, casket, whatever. Classic, convenient storing pose, good for transport, but not characteristic of him at all. I dunno where I put his box, but it still exists only for the reason that he has spare parts, and I don't need to lose them. And spare parts of my nendroids are in this box as well. Where are the nend's boxes? In the trash. Because it was way less resilient then his original box.
My partners hear about my childhood experiences with a very beautiful Barbie doll, my mother bought me one for the Christmas. It was a Christmas collector Angel barbie. I had a lot of wonderful time with her, she always was a main character in all my games, even if her name is constantly changes. Then I lost her. Guess my parents decided to give my toys away when I turn 16. @aquamarignis found this precise edition somewhere on the second-hand market in internet. She was in the box. Box was a bit broken, but I can repair it, if I want. It was the 1998 edition. It was 2022-2023. Christmas.
I immediately unpacked her. Yes, I saved the box, but not for the collector's spirit. Just for more convenient transportation. Btw, in the box her silicone shoulder strap, that hold her dress more safe, decayed and turns orange and pretty visible. So, I removed it also.
Angel is beautiful. And for me this unboxing experience was crucial. I cried with a smile and felt 7 yo again. It was perfect.