I think a lot of the [insert shop name here] lack of solid information can simply be out down to this statement that [insert shop name here] believes to be true: Skylanders is toys, only small children buy toys and small children don't care about uncoming information on toys.
Don't flame me for that, I am a fully grown adult who collects these too, in my experience that is also what Activision (or at least the Rep and staff at the Arena Tour) think is true.
Activision are aware there are a lot of adult collectors of Skylanders figures. That's the reason they put out the variants, to suck the collectors in! They acknowledge this and that is why they don't care if they are rare and prices are pushed up by scalpers. More publicity for them.
In my case, my kid also wants them and I'm not willing to pay over RRP for them!
That's why the portal with the GITD Cynder should keep him happy for a while at least.
Edit: Does anyone know if the Starter pack also includes the Jet Vac Light core figure, the pose is for a light core?