: So I didn't pre-order MCC (I mean, it's a bunch of old games cobbled
: together, not sure why I would have), and also see MCC not as a product of
: 343 much in the way I don't actually pay much attention to "produced
: by" billings on movies.

That's not how it works. Halo Anniversary you could maybe give a pass like that, but 343i themselves did a lot of the work of porting the games and adding new features and functionality, not to mention they had the final say in releasing the game.

: I thought Halo 4 was solid if poorly designed (not one for progression systems),
: and have really liked the design direction they've taken the series with what
: we've seen of 5. So pre-order I have.

They don't need your money early though, and you don't need to give it to them early, and I don't see what you gain by giving it to them early, so why pay before it's out?