Well I'm pretty sure.
I bought the Max 1A when it first came out, and that one DOES HAVE the nose cone problem like all the other early 1st issues (Hikaru, Roy).
Then back in January 2005, Neova had the 2nd issues for sale here at $90 a pop!
I bought the 2nd issue from him and when I recieved it, it did not have the nose cone problem. The grooves were there to hold the nose cone in place just like the other 2nd reissues (Hikaru & Roy).
He lists the VF-1A Max as a reissue at his store here (although it is stated as "sold out)
http://www.geocities.com/valken_exs/toys_yamato.htm
The link where Neova was selling those Max 1A's for $90 is here...........
"Yamato 1/48 Max VF-1A Valkyries, 2nd Issue Blow out!"
http://www.macrossworld.com/mwf/index.php?...=12884&hl=vf-1a