While this makes sense. It also makes sense to allow it if they are trying to sell inventory ASAP.
It all depends on what they feel is best for them as a company, it isn’t unreasonable.
What I’m more curious, is to hear from Rivian directly, why they won’t just do the lease. Who is saying no...
I think OP is suggesting that the effective cost of a lease is the MSRP - (any capitalized cost reductions, including incentives, down payment, etc)
So, from that perspective, my guess is they mean that if you were able to get pre hike pricing, it would reflect in the form of a capitalized cost...