Everyone has their preferences in the approach to their collection.  I have a great deal of respect for the 'mint in box' (MIB) and 'never removed from box' (NRFB) collectors.  These items are difficult to find, and as more collecters gain interest in Big Jim, the supply gets even smaller.

The box art on Big Jim items is exceptional.  The boxes alone are enough to keep a collector's interest.  Painted box art appear throughout the existence of the Big Jim line in the US and Foreign markets.  In the mid 70s, Mattel developed a relationship with Marvel Comics and Marvel artists Jack Kirby and John Buscema worked on various projects.

A few examples of painted artwork on domestic sets:

Some of my favorite European figure boxes with painted artwork:

Kirby (left) and Buscema (right) artwork on P.A.C.K. vehicle boxes:

Now with all my rambling about the boxes and artwork, I will proceed to tell you that I don't strive to obtain boxed items.  I love to see loose figures with all of their accessories in place like they were meant to be.  I've even opened sealed figure boxes and carded outfits to display.  See my Alpinist page for figures that were sprung from their boxes by me.  If you have any photos of Jim in action, I'd love to see them and maybe even put them here.