You said it exactly. No leadership from the top.
In February, when I asked how much the deposit was, the salesman said that they don't take deposits. Oh well, I've now learned without putting money on the line, you have very little chance of getting what you want.
A couple more examples of greedy dealers: When I was calling dealers in Feb., a salesman in Los Angeles told me that he could put me on their list, but that he could get me the car faster if I paid a few thousand dollar premium. Another in LA said that all their cars must be fitted with Lojack, and that was $1000 extra. And today I received a call from John at Toyota of North Hollywood, saying that he had the package and color I wanted, and at a "special deal". That special deal was $3000 over MSRP.
Others are saying that it's difficult to get a straight package; that the cars are being outfitted when they arrive at port with floor mats, decals, etc. Not knowing the car business, it's hard to know what's real or not. Oh well.