It's worth noting that most of the most complex minis were made in the first flush of TRO Project Phoenix being released. The sculptors at the time were intending to deliver the best, most impressive, most flexible minis possible, with lots of potential for reposing, modding and customisation. And while there have always been examples of off-scale minis dating back as far as the Battledroids minis, the tendency to larger minis also seems to trace back to here - it's easier to provide more details on a larger mini, and thinner parts become stronger when expanded.
In retrospect, it's arguable they went a little over the top (Scylla fingers, anyone??). The scale creep remains a potential issue, but IMHO IWM learned the lesson on over-complexity.
As always, YMMV.
W.