Yes, it's a sticky issue. Though I would feel little compunction about getting the e-ARC via that method if I wanted it since I've got the limited edition signed hardcover on order, and having an e-version isn't going to stop me from buying the hardcover (and the audiobook, in addition
). The authors are going to be getting at least two sales from me for that one book, and both of them for higher-priced items as opposed to a paperback or an ebook. But I am going to be strong and wait until November to read the story in tree form.
It's interesting - I just checked my pending hardcover order. When I placed the pre-order in May, the pre-order price was $16.02. Looking at the book page now (Amazon) the pre-order price is $19.79. It's still cheaper than the retail price ($27.00), but I didn't realize that there was a sliding scale for pre-order prices. Or maybe it has something to do with that Baen/Amazon agreement.