why do you think the ps3 is having shortages?

[Reasonable]

As I've said in other threads I don't believe this is a manufacturing or Sony side issue. I think the issue is some retailers got caught adjusting their stocking/ordering strategies in light of the price drop, new model and new baseline demand levels (plus of course Tax refunds) and the retailers under-ordered.

Don't forget Sony doesn't get to shove the PS3 to the retailers, they order it and just because Sony feels it might sell X doesn't stop the retailer ordering Y because they disagree.