The idea presented originally was to do Battlemech modes in mech scale, and the other two modes in battleforce scale. I think you lose a lot interest doing it that way.
Maybe I misread this, but I recall somewhere that the OP mentioned having the goal of seeing the Shadowhawk, or some other almost LAM, be done as an LAM. I think that is too ambitious and that focussing on the three main ones would reduce the monetary burden of getting this project off the ground... from the estimated $5500-$6000 to $4500-$5000. Even if we got $5500 pledged, I think most people would rather see the main three done right than to see all four done almost right; that whatever money might go to the imaginary LAM, would be better spent on the improved quality of the three classic ones.
Lorcans and Birdofprey's ideas, I think is the best one. It shows a better way of minimizing costs without compromising on the consistency of the scale. I think people would be happier with this. Further I imagine it could be even more simplified to a (1) set of legs, (2) battlemech mode torso, (3) aerofighter mode top half, and (4) aerofighter bottom half...
Where:
1+2= Battlemech
2+3= Air-mech
3+4= Aerospace Fighter
So now you're talking about 4 half minis instead of three full minis. I think to most this is a more ideal approach, assuming we couldn't get full mech-scale sculpts in all three modes.
Also lets be honest between the Wasp and Stinger, no one would complain if they had the same sculpt for the legs. Just one more way costs could be mitigated.
of course initial discussions are ongoing, but in my last chat with sawbones it is looking like if LAMs are funded it will be a two pack of battlemech and airmech modes...
I dunno if I like that. Will they be available as individual miniatures as well?
As far as packaging, I the most ideal packaging is this:
...a 3 pack set, and have all 3 versions. Mech, Land-Air, and then Fighter mode!
Most would rather spend $30 per "mech" in all three modes, than to have to buy two separate sets. For example some people want to build a squadron of one particular LAM, and not everyone will be happy with the lumped in models.
Its easier to accept the nature of the beast, when it comes to LAMs, is that you need to get three minis to represent three distinct modes, than it is to say you have to buy this second set of three to get that one Air-mech model you need to go with the one Battlemech model you wanted.