This shit is too funny. if you don't want to pay $20 for 4 characters then dont, it's not like one of the characters is Jesus and you'll never be able to beat him.
The base characters will still be in the game and let's be honest here most people play with sub zero or scorpion anyways.
I've never seen a single person who plays mortal kombat play with every single character all the time. You normally have around 3 favorite people to play with and you stick with those people getting all of their combos down.
I already pre ordered mine digitally, and no i didn't get the $80 version. The people i play with are base characters and i don't regret paying for it already.
This is one of those games that only comes out every couple of years and is worth buying the digital version, just like street fighter is worth it too.