I think Bose is taking these measures to bolster the image of the McIntosh brand and return them to specialty audio dealers. I am sure they felt the image and legacy of the McIntosh product was not best served by being under the same roof as Maytag. I would also suspect that MusicDirect may be in their crosshairs as well and any other internet sales outlet.
all my humble opinion of course
Bose Chucks Mac
Just read that Bose is pulling McIntosh from all Magnolia Hi Fi locations. That is going to cut way back on locations that potential Mac customers will have available to them for auditions and the like. Ahh, the wonderful world of corporate buyouts.