[quote name='blandstalker']
I can also stop checking HasbroToyShop, which can't keep things in stock and hasn't had Vehicon. Right now, they have Airachnid and Kup (but no Rumble or, of course, Vehicon). [/QUOTE]
I agree with a lot of what you wrote, but they've stocked Vehicon on two separate occasions and while he only lasted 20 minutes or so the first time, the second time he lasted a couple of hours... and that's with a 2 per shipment limit. I know this because I actually debated getting a second one but didn't want to pay the shipping.
They had Rumble for a few hours too before he sold out.
HTS is just like any other store -- they have to buy their stock from Hasbro. They just recently made the change back to selling single figures but they aren't going to keep replenishing the one per case figures until the virtual pegwarmers sell since they have to buy cases, same as any other retailer.
I'm just grateful they went back to single figures, because the only other option to get Rumble is to go to BBTS who wants $20 per figure and you have to buy Kup.
The solution here is, if you're not already a member of one, is to join a Transformers community, preferably TFW for the large member base. I got sick of coming up empty at retail too so I just networked with a large group of collectors in my area and have had no problem finding the figures I want at retail now. Voyager Dreadwing, Cyberverse Skyquake and the new Bulkhead and all the new Legion figures were obtained through network connections posting sightings and giving a heads up. I got my MP TC, MP Prime, and GDO Scouts (I've had the deluxes for months) all by a local member letting me know the TRU website had some... same with the Rumble and Vehicon on HTS. However, I could have gotten MP TC multiple times at this point at retail just from connecting with other fans in my area.
At this point, unless you live in an area with hardly any collectors, trying to hunt for these by yourself is impossible unless you have tons of time to burn hitting up stores asap when they open. You gotta network with other collectors, it's the only way to get an edge.
Distribution still sucks -- no one I know locally has seen Kup or Rumble, but people are still buying extras of what they do see and still letting others know when they hit online. Scalpers are still a problem, but they can't be everywhere at once, while the local people I know are so spread out we can be.
This CAG thread is nice and all, but if you're serious about collecting you gotta get out there and hit up a dedicated forum and start networking with other collectors. Its really the only way to stay ahead. Or just say

it and preorder everything the minute it hits BBTS like I still do. I've got the entire next wave of Prime Voyagers and FOC Deluxes preordered, even with local friends I'm not dealing with Christmas crowds for these. It's through this combination that allows me to still enjoy the hobby... I was in your shoes a few months ago too.
The other option is to go the Takara route and get your figures that way, though some people don't like the stickers. The microns are cool as hell, though. And with the amount of exclusives Takara is doing, if you're a Prime fan you need Takara to get a full collection. Can't wait for Unicron, Ironhide, Thundercracker and Nemesis Prime.
As an aside Blandstalker, aren't you in Canada? From what I've seen elsewhere, Canada gets screwed to an extreme when it comes to Transformers distribution for some reason.
Oh, and since someone mentioned Hearts of Steel, MMC's Awakening figure is amazing. Just got mine the other day, it truly is a work of art and well worth what I spent for it.