I don't think it's a big deal that they originally started as a possible Haslab and they decided to go the pre-order route with this.
I didn't think it was a big deal either, though when a spokesperson doesn't tell the truth about it then I think it becomes a bigger deal. They could have just said "it was planned for this, then we moved it to that," but instead we get outright denial that it was ever Haslab, and then when evidence pops up it makes you wonder if you can trust anything that's ever said. You combine this with things like the accidental Rancor announcement that was immediately backtracked on and it just fosters negativity with your consumer base.
I know I'm biased, but I blame Hasbro for treating their business like its some high security government agency or a Summer blockbuster where knowing something might ruin the plot and somehow reduce sales. Just be honest and transparent with this stuff. They've always tried to be ultra secretive and punitive towards anyone who tries to share information before they've had a chance to announce it and that's never sat well with me.
AND if they were more transparent, they have thousands willing to give free market research.
Remember when that ****** action feature throne room Luke came out and they responded by letting us in on the early concept drawings of a new Jedi Luke they were planning? More of that would help them refine their stuff before it is too late.
That said, on the creative side at least, they seem to have people with an eye on accuracy.