As a distraction, I'm gonna share something I typed up in the spoiler thread (minus the spoilers) because it amuses me.
Maybe I just like to think that things like Cadance and the Crystal Empire are all ideas from the show writers...that the toyline folks just sort of misinterpret from time to time.
"We're gonna do this episode you see; a princess is going to marry Twilight's brother, don't worry we'll do a fancy musical number to explain-"
"OH BOY, ROYAL WEDDING?? NEW PRINCESS?? WE'LL MAKE SO MANY TOYS!!"
"Sure, you do that. Princess Cadance cares not for her royal title, for she is a pony of pure heart who only cares for the safety of the ones she loves most."
"WE'LL MAKE A TALKING TOY WHERE ALL SHE TALKS ABOUT IS HER WEDDING!"
"Well, the important thing is her beloved, Shining Armor, and all of Equestria is in danger for an evil queen has taken Cadance's place and plans to destroy all that she loves dearly."
"OH BOY, A PRINCE! WE CAN FINALLY MAKE BOY PONIES! WITH BRUSHIE BRUSHIE HAIR!"
"We've had Big Macintosh, a well loved, honest, and hardworking stallion and brother of Applejack since the beginning! Let us not forget Soarin', one of Rainbow Dash's idols and a lovable goofball, or Fancy Pants, the most gentlemanly of stallions and friend of Rarity! There's also that brown background pony the bronies really like. Why haven't you made toys of them?"
"NONE OF THEM ARE PRINCES!"
"Fine, the evil queen-"
"WE'LL PUT HER ON EVERYTHING!"
"Queen Chrysalis?"
"NO, PRINCESS CADANCE! LITTLE GIRLS HATE EVIL QUEENS!"
"But you're making a Nightmare Moon toy!"
"SHE'S FOR BRONIES, TOTALLY DIFFERENT, ALSO WE GAVE HER SPARKLY PURPLE HAIR TO FIX THAT."
"...You're not really paying attention to us, are you?"
"ROYAL WEDDING! SO MANY PRINCESS TOYS!"