I can understand your concern, but Toshiba a long established company, and has very entrenched policies. But they do bend. In fact refunded me $300 for a 2 month out-of-warranty complaint, because I thought it was unreasonable for soemthing to go out that soon...sorry, I digress..
the world of audiophile equipment is much different than a large based consumer electronics manufacturer.
Maybe Outlaw did not project the response to their new product would be as good as it was. And they worked with the customers to take care of the hiss problem, etc.
They were also very generous with 30 day customers on the price drop for the 950, and have continually offered deals on multi-item purchases as well as the 'family' discount.
I find it hard to hold one misjudgement on their part against them, or see it as a blemish against a company that produces quality products at a very reasonable price.
You have to look at whole picture, and sure there will be scenarios where your particular situation offers no big advantage for the time you put in. But it is your money, and how you spend it is entirely up to you.
I would imagine Outlaw may back off on reserving orders for new equipment in the future, if it does lead to customer complaints.
I have never been one to jump on the bandwagon anyway, prefer to wait for new models to be proven on the test track of other users first. "You pays your monies, and makes your choices......."