At this point, we don't know what the surprise collectible is. That could very well make the $75 more tolerable for some people.
I bought the first issue of the magazine today, so I'll probably wait until the next one is out to join, assuming they would spread the issues out starting from that point and not go back and send me the first one. I'd buy all of the magazines anyway, so paying an extra $11 for the certificate, card, ability to buy some of the pins (I love pins), and the mystery gift make it worth it to me. The magazine is really nice, save a few features that seemed out of place.