Availability - Why is it so bad?

Not even the Ipad 1 was this bad and they have more models available now. Everywhere I look they are out of stock, (I am talking about the UK here) All the main retail shops even the apple stores! I asked a few employees about when they will have them in stock and well.. just imagine a scene from jingle all the way a second where he asks about Turbo man.. I pretty much got that response! (Only I wasn't allowed to lift them by their collar ) I eventually ordered one off of Ebay.

Anyway thats my question, now I will post my reasons as to why I have ordered an Ipad 2.

I own an Ipad 1 and it has become my main computer, even replacing the desktop (However I still use my Imac of course when I am in my office for some quiet alone time) but for everyday usage, its my Ipad. Wether its in the living room or in the garden or in bed its always my Ipad. Now the main reason I am getting an Ipad 2 is its size and weight, holding my Ipad 1 for a certain period of time does eventually start to make my hands and wrists ache, and I am a fairly built guy who works out 3 times a week. It just got to heavy even for me, (well not heavy, just uncomfortable) I have been using an Ipad 2 (my friends house) for a while and its yet to tire my arms and it feels great in my hands and so much more lighter and its just ALOT more comfortable to use overall. THATS the main reason.

Other reasons are yes the cameras nice, having it in white is also nice and the duel core (future proof?) of it all is nice to have.

But yeah guys going back to my question, why is it so hard to get one even a few months after its release? Are they really THIS groundbreaking that EVERYONE wants one? Thanks guys.