Hm... except for the heavy rubber cape and lack of poseability, I am very happy with the Yamato Escaflowne. Definitely worth getting at $50. IMO if you compare the price $50 with some of the toys out there (Macross, transformers, etc), you are getting something that is unique (transforming dragon).
I have mine displayed in Dragon mode. Unfortunately it has fallen off from my desk 3 times, but it is still in one piece