I know what you mean. When I worked at the comic store, I used to tell the kids not to worry about the stuff labled 'Collector Item'. Just buy the stuff that they liked. The shiny stuff was pretty to look at, but it didn't make up for poor writing. (And hey, don't knock all the 2099 stuff. The first year of Punisher 2099 was awesome.)

I also hated it when the parents would bring in the kids, buy them an action figure and then tell them 'Oh no, you can't actually PLAY with the toy. It's a collectible!' Always thought that was cruel.