In the long run, increasing the margin by raising the MSRP is an artificial margin. If folks look at the product and don't think it is worth the MSRP or the discount being given, the product is not bought.
The BB at this point is free money. These are pre orders with down payments so regardless of the margin there is little risk to the dealers. The more volume they get them more profit they make.
The tell will be when the rest of the product line dealer cost sheets come in. If the dealer cost for track, engine, cars, sets is lower than last year than Lionel has improved the margin for dealers. G
