Well, the Generation thing came, when they started re-releasing G2, which were repaints of the original series, so, they called the original series G1. As for Beast Wars, originally, it was intended to be a direct sequal to G1, but, when they decided to do a show for it, Hasbro wanted it to be seperate. However, the writers, as the show progressed, did alot of researching into the original series, & connected it, which is ultimatly what got me into Beast Wars. I used to hate that show with all my might, but, between it's connection to the original series, & plus seasons 2 & 3 are just awesome, & the Megatron of the future became a dragon, well, I ended up loving it. I can't think of anything else in my life, where I used to hate it, & then ended up loving it. It's really wierd.
Beast Machines I used to hate as well, but, now I like it. Though, the ending is not what I would want. After that, came of a plethora of crappy series that just don't do anything for me. Though, Robots in Disguise, is probably the best of the crappy ones. But, this fall, comes Transformers Heroes, which is way in the future, kind of like I-robot, where robots already exist when the Autobots & Decepticons arrive, & their robot modes are their disguise. Plus, it's being done in the US, as opposed to all the crappy shows that were made in Japan. You'd think Transformers & Anime would work well, but, it's never turned out right, so, Cartoon Network is doing the new show. I'm more excited about this new show then the movie personally. And I'm hoping, that it'll be connected to G1 somehow, that would rock! And I like the reverse take on their disguises.