HLJ.com is reasonable, depends which country your in.
the 2nd release is an improvement over the 1st. (landing gear, and gunpod alignment etc) The 1st ed has a crooked gunpod alignment in fighter mode, which is annoying, but you can fix it. Also the landing gear is in need of a mod.
I have the 1st release, and it's awesome, but you have the choice of getting the updated version with FP and the Fold booster. Which is cool in it's own right.
Yes you do need to spoil yourself. I give you the permission.
Get the 1/48. Or you could wait for the new 1/60 coming soon. Depends on what is your fav mode, 1/48 has the nicest fighter mode, and the 1/60 is good for all 3. Especially battroid.