However, for those of us that preordered wave1 at the same time, "Several weeks from now, when the first wave of Armada expansion packs arrives."

That's why you preorder through a LGS. I got a great discount on top of the fact I am supporting a great couple that owns the store.

Brick and Mortar may seem out dated but it is still the best way.

Yup, I swear by my brick and mortar. Sure, it costs me a little more than the online retailer, but in return I get a place to play and meet other players. The problem is that it's essentially a non-excludable good. If it's kept afloat by the MtG crowd, then my purchase (or not) doesn't make the store available to me (or not).

As such, I don't think it's obsolete, but it is certainly embattled by the online retailer. Also, I think it requires a loyal community to make happen. However, as long as we maintain community and prefer FLGSs to play at than elsewhere, then it's not an obsolete business model.