Yes…and no. I suppose language is inadequate but there are certain themes which some collectors think are important.
For instance, if painted and based by the same hand, sculpting and style differences may not be an issue but if the differences are too great maybe it is better to get multiples of the same pose from one manufacturer rather than try and get as much position variety as possible from different manufacturers.
It really depends on who is asking. For instance, I rarely handle figures before they are painted and I don't paint my own stuff, so before I assemble a collection, I want to see if there are tremendous style or quality differences that i don't know about BEFORE I buy and send figures to a painter.
Some of the questions get asked because a given maker always seems to leave a necessary set or two out. Foundry might make commando raiders but leave out heavy weapons which then makes me wonder if the Artizan commando heavy weapons crew will jive with the Foundry figures.
If you're painting your own miniatures maybe it isnt as much of a concern as when you're paying for painted miniatures which might make for other concerns. It's a matter of degree. Me, I am only sensitive to extremes and not obsessed with complete symmetry. I have noticed that some collectors really get OCD about size/style differences that when I've finally had the figures painted up the two makers are barely distinguishable.
However, I still prefer to ask and then make my own decision.
