I just got the option to choose one of the available items for the October Collection box, and I never had that before with any boxes. (Granted I've only opened one...)

Has this system changed or am I just lucky?

yes it has changed for the better.:D

Ooh, neat! I suppose I'll choose what's currently most pricey just in case I don't get a chance later. :) Cheers!

: You can choose for any of the monthly boxes with Collection in the name, if they're called Donation Presents, then you can't choose, it's still random.