It seems like we're still trying to figure out definites, but this thread (http://mlparena.com/index.php?topic=391648.0) might steer you in the right direction.
The summary is that receeding hairline Majestys always came with the castle, but not all normal hair Majestys were mail order. You know, the square/rectangle thing.
Can't find anything about her quality, but it'd be interesting to hear! I've got a receeding hair Majesty with some nasty brown spots.
@ashlyne - are any of them China Majestys?
Ya, this is a confusing one. I don't know if Hasbro mixed stock, but of all the Majesty variations I have, the Mail Order one does seem to be of better quality than the others, just even in the way the plastic feels. But it's one of those things you almost have to compare in person to see. I tracked down mine as a set with the other mail order playset ponies just to feel confident I had the right one.
So here's my mail order Majesty, purple-eyed and full mane:
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Aaaaaand playset variations.
Blue-Eyed Receding Mane:
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Purple-Eyed Receding Mane:
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Purple-Eyed Full Mane:
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To make matters worse, some have thicker symbols vs thin symbols. There's also a difference in the way the mane is haired. Some of the plugs are spaced further apart and more random, with choppy ends (Sprinkles has this problem too) while others, like the mail order version, are nice and full with an even cut. But it's really hard to know what are intentional differences, and which are just factory blunders.
Wow! I see what people mean when they say receding mane!
Mine is definitely a playset Majesty as I got her from new.
Purple eyed, full maned and from Hong Kong.
Those with China ponies, is there a PAT PEND stamp on the hoof? I'm curious :)
Thanks Taffeta! This is really interesting!