I won't live to be 100. According to my figures I can only afford to live to be 42 before the money runs out.

Here's what ebgames.com's help page says about pre-orders.

"Pre-Order - This product has not yet been released. Pre-Ordering a product is the best way to ensure that you'll get a copy of a hot title. As we receive products from the vendors, the customers who pre-ordered get their copies shipped first."

Nowhere does it guarantee that you will get a copy in a specified amount of time, and nowhere does it guarantee that you'll get a copy of a limited edition. Many, many people who preordered the UT2K4 DVD Special Edition were told on release day, "Sorry. There aren't enough Special Editon copies to go around. You get the standard version on CD."

The parent of your post is correct. When you preorder you are simply providing the store with an interest free loan. They aren't obligated to do anything in return. They may not even be required to refund your money if they can't get you a copy of the software you preordered. Store credit may be considered sufficient.