I can see what OP is saying

Sorta

If you wanted to buy a NIB today that ships today with complete code today & a theme you can enjoy at a price you're comfortable with... its tough to check all those boxes.

I've got some space/money right now but nothing speaks to me (right now).

There's no shortage of "order & wait" titles but that aint the same as buying a NIB today & seeing it land in your driveway 72 hours later.

What are my options if JJP has yet to release something I want & Stern, struggling with code/QC, has nothing inventoried that I want today?

Boutique games are expensive & backordered so that doesn't cut it as a legit NIB today option IMO.

Aaaaand say Stern does release something that speaks to me in a month or two... when the F will it have good code? No way I want to buy MORE incomplete games.

Sorry, not interested in old games. I've played them to death & prefer new shit thats, well, new.