Yes, have heard and worked with similar. Ultimately some of the more prestigious models and kit are distributed in smaller numbers....so it stands to reason Canon want the gear to sell (and sell preferably sooner rather than later) in preference to other makes.
I can give an objective view of another example on the flip side of the coin. In that the many Hewlett Packard cameras and equipment thrust into the stores branches of my former employer, neither matched consumer demand or desire. Without knowing the real deal that happened in the boardroom, all I can do is summise why this happened.
The on-line print ordering facility being pushed at the time, as one of the first in the UK offered by my former employers, was powered by HP.
Loads of HP stock then appears in the stores.
Net result; a company left with loads of HP stock they can't shift, even at knock down prices.
Ultimately the manufacturers strike the best deals they can.
Stock limitation by Canon, Nikon, Olympus and most definately Sony (who are one of the most guilty of dealing behind a shroud of brand loyalty) are all very good at promoting but them limiting their stock according to sales.
Unfortunately I think the consumer loses out in the long run.
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