Seems it's more due to a number of scalpers who use(d) automated scripts to make bulk purchases from online vendors in order to sell at a markup on sites like a

Seems it's more due to a number of scalpers who use(d) automated scripts to make bulk purchases from online vendors in order to sell at a markup on sites like amazon. That's why the legit vendors like Adafruit now set a quantity limit and also require registration (with phone number IIRC) to buy them.