That part in yellow... I don't know how anyone could be satisfied paying like $10-15 for that random junk. Are we talkin about the same minis... the Axis & Allies War at Sea collectible (ie. random ripoff) minis?

These things?
http://xl-logic.com/pics/hobby/AAWAS27_USS_Iowa.jpg
The $20 Iowa BB (actual size or darn close to it)

I'm gonna look for Command at Sea and maybe some more respectable metal miniature makers.

Yes, there are very nice German made, metal minitures available but they cost $30 - $125. If you buy the War at Sea packs the units cost around $2 each. I went in with some friends and we split a case of boosters. Everyone was able to get the ships they wanted for fairly cheep. They only cost more if you buy them as singles from companies that have open the booster packs.

I'm already looking into more advanced games and will probably end up buying the metal minitures in the future but this was a less expensive way of seeing if I'd like naval miniture war gaming. No sense in spending a ton of money on something and then end up loosing interest.

Actually, I've located some cheap teeeny tiny ones (1/6000) you can buy entire fleets for $50-$100. Might even be a more usable size for large scale formations and tactical battles.

http://www.xl-logic.com/pics/hobby/16000_01.jpghttp://www.xl-logic.com/pics/hobby/16000_02.jpghttp://www.xl-logic.com/pics/hobby/16000_03.jpg

PRICE CODES:
A --> $3.75 (2 MODELS OF TYPE 1 - 5)
B --> $5.25 (3 MODELS OF TYPE 1 - 5 OR 6 DESTROYERS)
C --> $6.50 (4 MODELS OF TYPE 1 - 5 OR 8 DESTROYERS)
D --> $3.75 (2 SMALL CRUISERS [TYPE 6])
E --> $3.75 (3 SMALL CRUISERS [TYPE 6])
F --> $5.25 (4 SMALL CRUISERS [TYPE 6])
G --> $7.75 (5 MODELS OF TYPE 1 - 5 OR 10 DESTROYERS)
H --> $9.00
J --> $9.00
K --> $11.00
L --> $11.00