[mymllnthaccount]

It would be relatively easy to solve this problem if the original supplier wanted the problem to be solved. Instead of releasing a batch of inventory at a certain time, run a raffle over a week or two and then randomly select folks to allow to purchase the item.

[bluedays]

Wouldn’t a queuing system be more fair?

[mymllnthaccount]

By queuing, do you mean first come first serve?

No, that causes the problem. That encourages people to use bots to be the first one to purchase the moment the inventory is released.

I don't understand how a random raffle would ever not be fair (with the assumption that one person gets only one entry)

[Arnavion]

That assumption doesn't seem like it'd hold. You'd just replace bot services with package forwarding services that can generate unique PO Box numbers or whatever.