Availability. I can get the Kindle delivered the same day (or) the next from a village(Now a corporation) in Southern India. Once my Kindle didn't wake up, Got it replaced within couple of days near the end or after warranty period.
That said, I'm with you and wouldn't be buying a Kindle again. It's Value/Price is low for its utility, Especially since Amazon is locking up the device and has started interrupting bulk emails from approved email addresses. Also since I have started to limit my purchases from Amazon.
Now, I have to pester my friends and family from overseas to buy the Ereader not available here (or) Order one with international shipping and pray that the customs don't hold it and charge me a kidney(Compute devices are often charged 2x-3x the cost as excise duty!).