Quoted from Pinballmike217:

I agree, it is very frustrating to see prices continue to rise. It makes it VERY difficult for dealers such as myself. Hopefully know that you know what thin margins we have you will see your idea isn't workable in this case. All of the dealers on Pinside are wholesalers. Trying to cut us out would only hurt the hobby as we are one of the best sources of information for new pinheads available. I can safely say that we are grossly undercompensated for our time and effort. If dealers applied your thinking to this issue we would all get together and agree not to sell any machines for less than MSRP. I'm sure you don't want that to happen so your best strategy moving forward is probably to help keep a reputable Stern dealer going by supporting them.