You guys can ask to not have the "gutted" copy, and if you do get it, you can get 10 percent off the MSRP if it's been opened. I've saved five and six bucks off of many games by doing that. It also doesn't hurt to be friends with the people that work there. Yes they're all pimple-faced nerds, or male chauvanists who think that the 360 is the best and the Wii sucks, but you only have to be friends with them a few minutes out of the day. Give them your Gamertag, and play a few rounds of Halo with them, and everyone will be happy.
I must have a pretty nice Gamestop, they don't push the cards on me, or pre-orders. But that's because I always say no anyway, and they know if I want to pre-order a game, I'll tell them.