Quoting Awac A,
reply 17
If they for a second thought that in "download" vs "retail", "download" would be the faster option for getting a game, then they need to update tbh.
You still don't get it do you? The only reason retailers were out first is that they broke the agreement to release by schedule. The reason buying retail on the site is download in ADDITION to the box is so that you can download it immediatly at release, then wait for the box to come later.
I dont think you get tbh so ill cut it out for you 
In a perfect world! there is no piracy and no mistakes made by game stores. Now lets turn to the real world wich is far from perfect. In this real world alot of shit goes wrong. So.... to prove my point? who is playing this game right now? the Pre-orders or the pirates/retail buyers.
(Im aware beta players can download it now since they already got a SN-Key)
So you see. Pre-Orders dont get to play first. Well maybe it happens in 1% of all game releases. But mostly they get to play last tbh. This was the case for SINS, it was available in my local store before download release. Im not blameing stardock since this happens with alot of games. People just have to accept that if they want the game early they shouldnt count on pre-orders from online download services.