Patcher indicated that the system is supplied constrained.  Does this mean the opposite of what he is saying is true and the system is readily available?

Not only did the Gamestop around me have some reserved for Black Friday but they also had some available the week after. I assume any sold out areas are due to high traffic stores or distribution constraints in certain areas possibly related to hurricane Sandy.

I think you are correct, the high volume stores will have the quickest turnaround for consoles. Once i saw that change on the website, I did a small retail channel check (something analysts often do to determine demand). I called 20 gamestops in my areas here in Washington DC:

20/20 Had Wii U basics for sale

18/20 Had deluxe,

I dont know if these are recent reshipments but this tells me shipments are flowing (or initial shipments are not selling out, especially for white consoles).  Im just trying to piece this US 'supply constraint' issue once and for all.  Someone is the supply chain is not telling the truth.

They lying party is the one saying that there are insufficient supplies to meet demand.