The problem with scalping spots really comes from the fact that demand is so far above supply right now. It wouldn't be a big issue if there weren't ten more people in line who have been waiting longer than the guy with more money than sense. This leads to a situation where people buy just to scalp which is going to lead to an increase in overall prices 100% of the time.

Are you guys familiar with the paper oil market? Something like 90% of oil trade is done on paper with no intent to ever take delivery of the stuff. This causes massive inflation in the market as people with tons of money but no actual investment in the industry are allowed to get in and use their big bag to push everyone else around.

It might not be illegal or immoral but what OP is pointing out does nothing other than inflate prices in the market. If a distributor has 10 people in line for 2 machines they gain nothing by letting someone buy one of the 2 spots for thousands from a depositor. They would be in the exact same spot if they just refunded the first deposit and went to the next person in line.
In fact it's in the distributor's interest to find out who is willing to pay so much for the spot and go to them directly and ask for more to jump the line. Do you guys really want the market to go that way? It will get to the point where distributors auction off spots for the highest bidder. That will be lots of fun...

I'd rather see manufacturers increase prices to meet the market rather than middle men taking a profit for doing essentially nothing. At least the money goes back into the system that way.