Why do pre-orders hate me?

OK. I have had it with pre-orders.

Pre-orders are the bane of my existence.

Pre-orders are the cash you put down at your local game store (usually with initials G.S.) to assure that a video game (or accessory) is waiting for you when it is released.

I have over $1000 tied up in some secret pre-order bank account, earning interest, while I sit with nothing to show for it.

Last night, I thought I would make good on some pre-orders and pick up some pre-ordered stuff: Need for Speed Carbon (Collectors' Edition) and a Viva Pinata (I can't make a that squiggle over the "n") faceplate for my Xbox 360.

I even called the store (with the initials G.S.), ahead of time, and confirmed that my pre-order was waiting for me.

Since I had to work late, I made the mad dash to the store (with initials G.S.) before they closed. I (safely) drove to the mall and ran in... only to find my pre-order (that I've had for MONTHS) was sold to someone else. There were no replacements for me.

I can understand if this was an anomaly, or a one time occurrence, but this
is the FOURTH time this has happened to me this year. I'm not kidding.

Needless to say, I had an in-store melt-down. I was tired and frustrated and this pre-order scheme has got to be fixed. I wasted gas, time and money with nothing to show for it, except a headache.

I think there should be a pre-order guarantee. Something along the line of "your pre-order will be here waiting for you when we say or it's FREE (or maybe $10 off)."

Anyone else suffer as much as me?