What I hear from AP and MS is that there is a worldwide shortage for the LX3 as Panasonic didn't expect this model to sell very well. Further more, the freebie-package that comes with it is apparently "giving away too much" and that's why they've cut back on the free case/pouch. You'll have to purchase it separately. Even the original expensive Lumix DMW-CLX3 leather case is out of stock (worldwide) and the only place to get your hands on one is on ebay.
My experience with MS was also one that was dodgy as when asked for a LX3 they immediately said i'll get you a new one and pulled a box out from a shelf that was sitting alone and not with a bunch of other LX3 boxes. The camera came without any product features stickers on it and also without any product features tag (which I've only come to realise after seeing it on the camera at other shops). The camera was however in perfect condition although I suspect it was a piece that everyone had their hands on to have a feel before purchasing. The thing is, I only realised all this a couple of days later after seeing other new LX3s with the sticker and tag on them. Well, can't expect much for now because that's the kind of service we get from our local shops and we still have a long way to go when it comes to a "good service".
