Everything is cutting edge in high end audio (yes, this is true, think it through), and no reams of support staff (location with 1200 people on the phones, 7000 in R&D, etc), as high end audio companies are just too small to cover it all.
I’m not saying you want cutting edge products, low prices, with personals service and the support levels of a multi billion dollar corporation.
But, that some actually do expect that and get upset when it is not that level of perfect.
The other thing is that when things go wrong...lots of people get brushed off by those major corporations.
Direst sales also has the advantage of the producing company being in direct contact with the end user. Usually at least a few times, for each major sale. This is a very good thing for the company and ultimately, the customer.
I’ve seen up front and personal...I’ve seen dealers mess around with manufacturers and mess around with the buyer, as they are in control of both ends of the relationship of people - to the the equipment they buy.
Dealers can be a good thing but they can also be a bad thing.