No matter the packaging, the modern tinplate is very good looking. However, there are times I prefer to have the option to get a modern tinplate w/ the Lionel or Lionel Lines name on the side.
Here's a shot at the stars... Imagine if MTH used the budgeted money of the expired Lionel Licensing fees and obtained an exclusive tinplate only "Polar Express" license from Warner Brothers. Hornby just obtained licensing rights for various Warner Brothers content including Harry Potter and DC Super Heroes.