Glad that the originals are going to be preserved, agree with others here in that regard, in fact I'd be vehemently opposed to anything 'destructive'.
As regards matching painting styles, it's probably a non starter. Did a player for a human team of Longfangs prior to the BB (DFC was borrowing the figs and needed the extra position player). It's pretty close as a match with the rest of the team, and I guess that the layman or even most of you guys would be hard pushed to pick which of the team was painted by a different painter, but to me and Del the subtle differences in style are glaring. The All-Stars are Phil's work, and so the originals should remain. Good decision.
'Replica' figures are a damn cool concept. It wouldn't bother me in the slightest if a fig was available as 'based as closely as possible on the classic and unique fig X'. That way the original retain their history, paintjob and uniqueness, whilst collectors will be happy (I believe) for a chance to get hold of their own 'replica' Phil Lewis' All-Stars.
I believe there are numerous people on this board equipped to do the necessary conversation work, and it'd be an honour for anybody chosen to do one too. The way forward I believe, kudos and respect to Narkotic for the suggestion!
