I suppose part of the issue is (1) satisfactory scope of distribution for Simms and (2) access to goods for customers. Both of the aforementioned are of concern to Simms if it allows dealers to decide what level of merchandise they want to carry in the store or in the catalog.

A lot of manufacturers do sell direct from their website because they want to make sure that a customer can always get it if he wants it. It beats the loss of sale and the dissonance in the association between the brand and the consumer. If it is too hard to get, a consumer can choose a substitute brand. The mfrs are usually protecting the retailer by not selling for less than the min. advert. price.

Personally, I like the option of being able to buy off ebait because they can compete a little with others and offer free shipping, mark downs on carry overs/new old stock, etc.