GW is moving to plastics, because it is cheaper for THEM, ie. they get a bigger profit margin. And it seems they're getting away with selling expensive plastics over metal. But I do think they're really beginning to reach the point, where even the most rabid GW fan is gonna hesitate when seeing the price tag. It's not only the recession/hard times we living, but simply common sense.
That, however, has nothing to do with the fact that these minotaurs look utterly horrid. And anyone trying to defend them is realy blind fanboi, or just blind. I mean, come on! They look clumsy, grotesque, unrealistic (as in muscle structure), like really, really bad action-figure toys.
Having said that, GW plastics aren't all stinkers. I ordered 3 sets of Citadel Woods the other day... and, no I don't play GW games.