> Why a randomized reservation order?

Lies, they just want to protect themselves from the German Tank Problem [0] type of analysis.

[0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_tank_problem

> they just want to protect themselves from the German Tank Problem type of analysis

How could you estimate that when they don't let you know your position in the queue (with or without randomisation)?

> we'll send you an email with the option to purchase. You'll then have 72 hours to complete the purchase.

I thought about this, and can not tell if you are being serious or not. I can see arguments for either.