If I read this thread correctly, deferring your reservation to purchase an XLT (my choice) vs. upgrading immediately to a Lariat could mean the difference between getting the $7500 tax benefit and not getting it - esp. since there's no way of knowing when the deferred reservation will turn into an actual reservation. That's just terrible execution on Ford's part.
It's not terrible execution, it's the reality of supply chains. Ford had to make a call early on regarding how many of each component they ordered. While they can shift some orders on the fly, others have to be made well in advance. Then there's the whole supply chain foulup.
The good news is Ford is being more aggressive at electrification than any other major automaker.
The bad news is they still underestimated demand and are making up for it.
Remember also that Ford was really hoping BBB would pass, eliminating the 200,000 vehicle cap before they reached it. They were even actively and publicly supporting BBB. If two Democratic Senators hadn't blocked BBB, the cap wouldn't be an issue.
Unless you have a much clearer crystal ball than Ford does, judging their planning "terrible" might not be quite fair.