[vehemenz]

Under normal circumstances it doesn't affect much. Increase the memory on your configuration and move on.

However, when the supply chain is crunched (as it is now), Apple's build-to-order MacBook Pros take two months to deliver. This means that the only available models to purchase immediately from retailers are the low end models that don't cut it.

I doubt it will ever change though. There is more profit in keeping the price low for customers that don't know any better rather than accommodating business customers that need something workable immediately.