Plus hardware preorders actually still make sense because it can't just be digitally copied and a key generated without anyone even needing to press a button. Which was also the case for games at one point.

How the did it with the steam deck was nice. It wasn't a pre-order in the usual sense, since you didn't pay anywhere close to full price. Just a refundable $5 that would go towards the cost of purchase when you bought it.

I don't mind that for hardware, since it cuts out scalpers and doesn't obligate you to purchase something before you know the quality.

I already waited a few years for a new Steam Controller, so what's another half a year?

Looks to me more an endorsement of preordering when stock is limited. If delivering laptops in the order it received took 6 months then a first come first serve would have meant no laptop at all within 6 months for many people who wanted one.

It'd come down more to who is the luckiest and has the best bots.