Most of time, HLJ is about a day or two behind 1999, I would expect to get a PR tomorrow for it. Even with the price increase, its comes to $26 US, that is an excellent price for a kit of Tamiya like quality
No on sharing chassis and interior parts, that is a bad idea. The other option would be just to make a generic chassis plate, or just a flat chassis plate like on the "Build And Play" line. Those two cars are not anywhere close to being the same to share the same parts.
Not really a deal, you can buy those sets from Hobby Search for $5 US each , it would a be deal if it was $25 shipped
Different box art for the white ones
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10061949
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10195649
There is nothing wrong with that at all, I do it all time, if I can buy what I want online for less than in person, and save taxes, you bet I am going to do it, and free shipping makes that deal even sweater. (not just talking about hobby stores)
Of course, broke a retaining clip one of my side marker lights replacing a burnout bulb, thats been out for at least three years, if not longer , should just let it be.