A few weeks back CNBC has a special report on why consumers do not like interacting with auto dealers. Negotiations, feeling of getting screwed and the whole process of the paperwork, hours-long time spent talking to various people at the dealers which are part of their "games" were the main reasons, amongst others. Due to these experiences and perceptions, companies like Carvana, Vroom, etc. are now thriving; so much so that they even went public raising significant money.
I do believe these types of dealer behavior are helping enlarge the hole they dug under themselves during the last several years. So, the direct-to-consumer model that Tesla, Carvana, and others now pursuing will likely be successful and become more mainstream.
I went through similar stories of contacting dozens of dealers as well. I only found two that were willing to sell at MSRP. Who knows if they actually do though, we'll see. Regardless, the experience of dealing with Ford's dealer network is one that is very negative in my mind. This would be my first Ford ever, and I have owned a couple of dozen cars as many of you here. Although I have had not-so-favorable experiences with some brands and dealers, I have never experienced the arrogant attitude and less customer-focused treatment from any dealer previously compared to what I have experienced with vast majority of Ford dealers. This is at a new low IMO.
As a result, if the Raptor happens, it happens. If not, there are other choices out there for my needs.