I also think Niello MINI / BMW has handled this whole release poorly. I too was on the supposed "waiting list" only to find out via this hastily written e-mail that it was going to be a free-for-all, first-come-first-served event. This is really not a good thing. Neither were the non-informative e-mails and one voicemail I also received from Demi Le Marquand. No help whatsover. I went to the Grand Opening today in the pouring rain and there were about 25 people there to test drive. I just wanted to buy the damn car, I don't have to test drive it! I could get one person to help me. All the BMW suits were smirking, the MINI people were frantic with only 25 customers milling about, the showroom was not even done yet, etc. I think it sucks that they have totally ignored customers that signed up for this "list" and are obvioulsy serious about buying this car. Crap, you can't even order one with the specs you want! I hope this does not become another PT Cruiser fiasco and I hope Niello gets a clue on how to sell this car.
