I don't have any figures anymore, but when I used to play, I had a few tubs and tried to be gentle with my figures as much as possible. the problem was that, despite my better efforts, sometimes a piece would break off a tank here or there. Those foam miniatures bags were not accommodating at all for the Mechwarrior pieces, as they were built more for games like Warhammer 40k and so forth.
Honestly, one of my biggest problems with miniatures gaming is how impractical it is. Combined with a lack of local interest, and the popularity of Magic: the Gathering, I sold my collection and started playing that in 2004/2005 until this day. Trading Card games are just infinitely more practical. you put your cards in protective sleeves, put the deck in a protective box, have your bulk in a trade binder, all of which fits nicely into a back pack with a play mat and you are good to go. If I wanted to play MWDA, I had to take a big foam bag with an army or two, terrain pieces, beads, dice, and so forth, then set up a large table space just for a two player game. That just didn't work where I lived.
Additionally, I was 18 when the game came out in 2002. I am almost 31 now and was nostalgically looking back on the game I enjoyed despite those around me not caring so much for. I was cruising around ebay and started looking up "lots" to try and buy on the cheap. I was thinking if I do buy them, how am I going to take better care of them... and that's why I have created this post looking for advice.