lol i know a few collectors who have the same dilemma. For sure, the new Prime Knight has a better ES run than the DOTM version aswell as a cheaper price, but for me, i think the DOTM version is the better representation of the movie Prime that your likely to ever get imo. I guess it comes down to which version you prefer better to have in your collection as opposed to buying cos its cheaper. The Knight Prime is a well executed piece but for me, the pose is a little too static and just isnt a particularly memorable look for Prime...im sure in Transformers 5 he'll look pretty much how he looked in the first 3 movies rather than continue with the Knight look...what do you think?
Might be Ninja Prime in the next movie who knows?
Original is always better imo so i say stick with DOTM
However, where i will agree with you is that if your having second thoughts about getting this piece then definately take the time to think about it. You mentioned that for the money your spending on Prime, you could certainly afford 3-4 decent 1/4 scale statues instead for that price range...i guess it comes down to how much you want Optimus in your collection. I certainly had the same doubts as your having, more so when i found out about the shipping costs
but in the end i decided that i need this Prime big time and i dont foresee ever selling it (unless i'm forced to do so) in which case the debate as to whether the piece will hold its price in years to come doesn't really come into play for me.
I've ordered the EX buddy but mine is not with Flex pay so hence why mine is shipping on Monday. I'm sure if you call them and explain your willing to pay sooner than arranged as per your flex pay that they'd be happy to release your order sooner. Worth asking