It is obvious that you don't understand real business.

Ryan Jordan probably has absolutely no control over the distribution of the book and the outlets in which it appears. The book publisher customarily has control over the distribution, but you can self publish if you desire to have control yourself as an author.

The book publisher would most likely desire to have REI as a seller of the book, and if one wanted to spread the gospel of Ultra Light Backpacking, one would desire that this book be distributed at places like REI.

I understand your frustration, but I believe that it is misplaced.

However, since your rant has been aired, I hope that you feel better and can once again sleep nights.