Part of op's point is that they explicitly don't guarantee that the sooner you reserve the sooner you get your car.

Reminds me of paying more for faster internet, yet the contract states they have to provide UP TO what ever speed. You can technically get less speed while paying more. Just another way companies write the contracts in their favor.

It wouldn't surprise me if this becomes the norm in any 'place in line' list with high value items. Companies would love the ability to offer the chance to consumers to put a down payment for a place in line while at the same time removing any liability in case they have to break that agreement.

Are there preorders where this isn't the norm? Whether you're camped out for the latest iPhone or preordering some hot new game, it's always understood that your place in line is a major factor in when you get your product but it's not a guarantee and the ordering isn't strict.

I'm baffled at why anyone would think it should be otherwise. Guaranteeing a strict order would be essentially impossible, and it would mean that a problem with a single unit would delay the entire group of people behind it.

They want a list of people who've got cash to burn and who don't read the fine print?

I know. My point is that even if it's not guaranteed, it still works that way for the most part.

That is how it should work and people generally believe that's how it works. But if that is the case, why are they saying it might not be? And further up in this thread someone is saying that it was most definitely not how "it worked" with the model S.

Because they want flexibility, for example to push a VIP to the front of the line, or prioritize deliveries based on proximity to the factory, or to avoid holding up the line if you suddenly decide to sail around the world solo at the time your delivery is due.

Since this flexibility goes both ways (you can cancel at any time for any reason and get a refund), I don't see what's so weird or upsetting about this.