Because Ladik has a pretty small operation, for one. Plus, by direct sales, Ladik doesn't need to do any markup for distribution and the like, so the module prices come out as low as they do by avoiding that. Given the choice between a direct order and going through the erratic shipping channels right now, I'd take the former.
And yeah, shipping is SCREWED at present, and it ain't about those ships off LA. I ordered some 25' snakes and Sweetwater said they'd be here today. Are they? No. Currently, they're stuck at FedEx's Indy facility, and have been since Saturday. And this has happened before this year with Sweetwater shipments.