A game or blu ray may come out that requires a certain firmware version and that person may not have the PS3 hooked up to an internet connection. They may not have internet, they may not have wireless, or they might just not even know the PS3 can connect to the internet.

Store policy on pre-optimized units (be they laptops, game consoles, etc.) is that if the sales person cannot "sell" the service to the customer, and the last units are all pre-setup, the customer does not pay for a service that they do not want. The store simply does not sell the pre setup service. Often times a customer will gladly pay the 40 bucks for a laptop with no trial software, a full battery charge and all updates, but will not want to wait an hour or two for it to be done. That's why the pre optimized units exist. If you don't want it and thats all they have, they cannot force you to purchase a service you do not want. Now I've read articles saying the opposite has happened, and it is probably true as every store is run by different management and salespeople will be salespeople. It is not company policy however, a simple call to the corporate number would fix that issue if it ever occurred to you.