I like your thought process. Unfortunately, we can all thank franchise laws and lobbyists for the reason it’s illegal for that method of purchase to occur. The middle man needs his cut, regardless of the fact that it’s worse for both the manufacturer and consumer.There are so many guys driving and flying across the country to dealerships in far away states to pick up their trucks. If Ford really had a "Better Idea" they'd allow the customer pay at the dealership then do the PDI (pre-delivery inspection) on these trucks at the factory and let the owner pick them up there. Shoot, I'd pay extra for that if they included a tour of the F150 plant.
I'd consider that a vacation.