Specialized has been screwing with their dealers for a while now. It’s a funny company. Some great bikes but they do weird things at times. I have two but kinda look elsewhere now.
Outside of bikes, there are other things going DTC through dealers. Recently bought a prosumer level snowblower. The local dealer couldn’t get any machines at all. Sent me to the DTC page where I was able to order direct from the manufacturer. Machine was in stock. Shipped to the dealer a week after ordering. Dealer assembled and then delivered to my door. Even filled the gas tank.
After I ordered online, the dealer had to “OK” the order saying they would receive it and then deliver it.
Worked great for me as same price. But I’d rather have done everything locally and presumably keep more profit local too.