Bear in mind that (as far as I know) we don't KNOW that the alternate sculpts are FC, they could be another plastic set - presumably Direct only if the Goblin King and Radagast are anything to go by.
However, this probably isn't the case and they are almost certainly FC. I imagine it will be one whole box rather than splitting them up, I don't think GW's current marketing strategy implies they would care about splitting the cost for us. From a business decision separate packs also give people the option of not buying all of them, not a good idea. Thorin, Dwalin and Balin would presumably be far more popular than the others at the moment thanks to their use in points match games.
As for a predicted cost for a FC box set, the White Council are £11.25 each and Riddles in the dark is £7 per figure (counting the scenery as a figure). Presuming we get all 15 of the company (there's still at least 1 more Bilbo sculpt to be released) I think £150 would be a safe bet. Even if they are sold separately I can't see the total being cheaper than this and I'd guess that it'd end up even more expensive than buying them as a whole set.
The stubborn optimist in me still can't see them releasing a box of 15 small figures for £150 but all the other evidence points otherwise sadly
As for a mounted FC box set, £15 seems to be the going rate for a mounted hero now so that box would cost £225.
Think I'll stick with my plastics from the starter set thanks...
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