What does the ‘S’ in MSRP stand for??

It's called capitalism.

Google "Toilet Paper 2020"

Ive never paid even msrp for a stern game and have purchased recently. Are some asking over msrp now? I get it though. Right now there are shortages in tons of industries driving prices up.

I think OP has companies in mind such Apple and Bose who exercise iron-fisted control over their retailers in terms of merchandising, prices (cannot charge more than MSRP, nor can they give any significant discounts), and shipping methods (some stuff is not permitted to be mail/internet ordered and must be bought in-person).

Essentially, these companies want to ensure that their distributors/retailers merchandise the products in a consistent way and walk a fine line and avoid doing anything stupid or underhanded which would reflect poorly on the products or the manufacturer. While it might seem like a dream come true if the pinball industry were to adopt such standards, I don't see anything like this ever becoming commonplace.

I suspect that they don't care... or they may even encourage the practice in order to psh through future price increases. The truth is if the distributors stick with a price ceiling once inventory of a certain game runs low it will just cause a black market. People will buy the remaining stock at the price ceiling and then try to flip it at a true market price. My guess is that Stern would prefer to see the distributors control the flow of the games. It helps to reward them for taking minimums on games that sit forever because of the price floor Stern imposes.

I think it’s normal behavior, see it with hot cars all the time.

This is very simple. Supply and demand determines pricing for many big-ticket, luxury category purchases.

It's not just Stern. CGC MMR topper is jacked up an additional $200 before tax over suggested MSRP after the currency exchange. Here in Canada.

I can't see freight or shipping being even close to costing $200 more.

Why does a dealer's price being high hurt Stern? If the price is higher because everyone is sold out, I'm pretty sure Stern is doing just fine.

MSRP = Manufactures suggested retail price.
Emphasis on the suggested part.

Supply and demand dictates what retailers (as well a the secondary market) do with the suggested part.
In times when inventories are really high prices get really competitive and people shop around for the best price (effectively a race to the bottom).
If there’s a lack of supply and pent up demand for product, prices go up.

This scenario is not unique to pinball.

Stern builds to order. So it's the dealers ordering games and raising the prices. Which eventually Stern will do to same to the dealers. It's the reason why prices are where they are.

If this is the case why can't they advertise below MSRP then? They can jack it up but can't advertise low. Double standard there, unless the distros are selling a load of bull when they say call for best pricing.

Stern keeps raising there prices also so it may be Sterns doing not distributor. Plus if Stern finds out that a distributor is charging less then there minimum they have threatened to cut off the distributor. Most distributors will come down a few hundred if you ask but some list at there bottom price right off the bat. Call around to get lowest price then call Automated and tell them you found it cheaper and they will match it and have it to you in 2-3 days if its in there stock or Sterns stock is my method.

Not true.

Stern has rules about minimums and quoting, but not bans on discounts outright.

Might also consider not all distributors are the Same! Some buyers hunt for weeks to save that $50 others use distributors for more then a purchase. Some distributors Earn their business After the sale and have costs associated. White glove, hand delivered, in my house, transported, adjusted, 24/7 complaint support all cost money. Value added to those that need it, not so for those that don't. I value my distributors and support that by supporting them. They Earned it.