If TLTC would have just responded to my enquiries of "when item X and Y was going to ship?" then I'd probably still be preordering from them. Personally, when they were responding to me I'd email them about an order I'd get a date and then only bug them again when it went past that date. Also, I'd ask here as much as possible to avoid emailing TLTC.
That would be completely acceptable to me. The lack of communication is why I'm upset at TLTC and other Australian retailers.
If I just could get a realistic date I'd be a bit happier.
As for these distribution issues. I really think the toy industry could take a few lessons the video game industry of a decade ago. Millions of massive boxes of plastic instruments, night vision goggles, heavy art books and other stupid collectors editions would turn up in stores week after week for the day one release of each game. No waiting 6 months for your most anticipated game to turn up at your local store. If the videogame industry can figure it out there's no reason HasTak can't.