Uhh.... maybe there's something about this specific Cobra Commander that comes with the HISS that interests me? Maybe it's the unique tooling and look? Oh but I guess I can just shut up about that and stick my 84 CC in, they're really the same thing, by that logic.

Oh but I guess I can just shut up about that
and stick my 84 CC in,
they're really the same thing,
by that logic.

Well, we can only take Hasbro at their word, but according to Derryl DePriest at Toy Fair, using tooling with less parts (meaning less articulation) does indeed save money over simply using less paint apps or re-using old tooling.

One of the interesting balancing points that folks haven't noticed is that because these drivers have less articulation, the vehicles are trending a bit larger than they might have previously, all while keeping pricing consistent. Working with budgets in these things (especially considering licensing for film stuff via Paramount) is always a challenge, and sure, DePriest could have been covering for himself, but I got the impression that yes, reducing articulation absolutely saves them money, and that's the entire reason for the change.

I believe Hasbro in this case. I work for a company that produces products for consumers with multiple facets to the pricing. Changing one little feature of the product changes the entire pricing structure. We often times make reductions in one aspect of the product to allow us improvements on another, and we feel that making that type of change will increase sales.
Hasbro seems to be doing the same type of thing. They remove articulation from certain figures to allow for highly detailed sculpting, larger vehicles, and maintain a reasonable consumer price point.
Whether this move is right or wrong for them remains to be seen.

Star Wars vehicles are now at a price that I pass on most of them. They don't even come with a figure and are well over $20. I pretty much had enough after getting the Cloud Car and seeing how tiny it was. I think I paid $26.99 and I expected a little more out of it. I know the whole licensing, blah blah blah, thing with Star Wars, but the point is I'm not buying them. It looks like a lot of people are passing too as I see the same stock week after week on those. Most seem to wait for sales and clearances if that.

G.I. JOE ALPHA VEHICLES Assortment
(Approximate retail price: $12.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Summer 2012)
The G.I. JOE ALPHA VEHICLES assortment are the smallest and most covert of the G.I. JOE vehicles made for the 3.75-inch movie figures. These stealth vehicles are outfitted with universal projectiles, launchers, a surprise attack feature, and also come with a realistic articulated ride-on action figure that will help guide you through your action-packed adventures. (Vehicles each sold separately.)

G.I. JOE BRAVO VEHICLES Assortment
(Approximate retail price: $14.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Summer 2012)
The G.I. JOE MOVIE BRAVO VEHICLES collection are mid-size vehicles inspired by the upcoming live-action G.I. JOE movie, G.I. JOE: Retaliation. Each represents the most technologically advanced vehicles in the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA arsenal, including the NINJA COMMANDO 4X4 WITH SNAKE EYES and COBRA FANG BOAT WITH SWAMP VIPER. Each vehicle comes with an action figure to help steer your squadron to victory. (Vehicles each sold separately.)

G.I. JOE MOVIE DELTA VEHICLES Assortment
(Approximate retail price: $19.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Summer 2012)
The G.I. JOE MOVIE DELTA VEHICLES collection includes the largest hero and villain vehicles inspired by the live-action G.I. JOE movie, G. I. JOE: Retaliation. Each represents the most technologically advanced vehicles in the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA arsenal, including the G.I. JOE GHOST HAWK II and the COBRA H.I.S.S. TANK. Each vehicle comes with an action figure to help steer your squadron to victory. (Vehicles each sold separately.)

I know I wouldn't spend extra money just to have the old Joe card or box art.

The ReVAMP is in the Delta class and has the $20 SRP.