Yeah, the same goes for the entry level Sony SLR kits too. I think like Sony Olympus is trying to get a better foothold into the market.
True also, that when I worked selling cameras some of the kits sold with very little or no margin......When the older E400 went on a special deal I think it actually made a loss for the shop (which of course was always tried to be regained with the addition of bags, cards, batteries and extra warranties where the profit was.......personally I don't think the company buyers at headoffice could negociate themselves out of a paper bag, but thats another story)
personally, as long as you choose the seller wisely, a s/h 350d can be had for next to nothing on ebay (buy on a weekday, sell at the weekend
). We got Jacky's (wisher) with an 18-55mm lens for £150 !!!....and it was complete, boxed and in mint condition. We sold the older 300d for nearer £180!!!! .....We still can't believe our luck with that even now.