[kwdc]

Is that good or bad? Do you want the likes of adafruit / sparkfun and similar to exist or do you just want to buy everything direct from the parts suppliers at the source? Neither answer is perfect.

If you choose direct from the supplier then don't expect the same level of support as adafruit since you've voted away with your purchasing power any sufficient margin to support it.

Most of the benefits the locals provide are tutorials, support and shorter delivery from local inventory.

The race to wafer-thin margins has consequences.