Gentle Giant reissues Kenner's 1979 18 inch Alien figure six inches taller.

[SeattleEd]

^GG is a boutique company and their numbers run small. So there are no plans to sell in the thousands. More in the low to mid hundreds like they have with the 12" Kenner Retro line. They are a collector-oriented company as you have stated.
I for one, plan on buying one since a vintage one is great for hardcore collectors and I want to open this one up and display.
BTW, the folks are nice, friendly and helpful over at GG. Great company and product...but not for everyone.

[4NDR01D]

I want one too.

[Chris]

You crazy kids will have to move to get that thing into your collection. The original was pretty damn big.

[MIB41]

Every toy company is building an "elite" toy line that caters to that Hot Toys mentality, which sucks the big bills from nostalgic fingers of those who wish to own a 'limited edition' piece. These companys are making big money with minimum risk.