I have also found the situation a bit baffling, but I guess a lot of people really don't keep up with any Splinterlands news at all. Which probably means they won't read your post either, but at least you tried. :)
Hopefully you've at least managed to fill in the gaps for people who missed the key detail about needing to buy direct to qualify for presale bonuses.
This is great information, it is a pity that many people do not read this, but in my weekly review that I do I will put it, because it is very valuable information.