JJTar

I think your choice of "what" versus "who" shows a lack of respect, no? Perhaps sets like this will help to foster more respect for everyone, instead of passing down biases from one generation to the next, whether intentional or not. Are you this upset about holiday sets or those showing heterosexual couples with children?

Looking at the US website, it appears that license to the software is included with the kit. With WeDo 1.0, the software had to be purchased separately (though you could also use Scratch for free). So, the new version is actually cheaper than purchasing a kit + software.

VexIQ seems to be Vex's answer to Lego Mindstorms. They are being used in schools to get younger students interested in robotics and feed into Vex Robotics, which offers a competition for middle and high school students. This is the 3rd year for VexIQ competitions. It seems easier for students to build with than Mindstorms, but the pins do not hold nearly as well. Students are learning how to make quick repairs mid-competition. Can use RobotC for programming. They are now trying to get into the retail market, and are partnering with Hexbugs.