I guess it would depend on the region you live in too. Different publishers for different countries (only one that comes to mind is Strikers 1945/agetec in the US). In the states, Squaresoft caters more to the audience over here.
I always hated not being able to get an Atlus game without a preorder as well. Gamestop or EB would get one copy and open it, while Target, Toys R Us, Circuit City, Good Guys. Comp USA, Best Buy etc wouldn't get any.