Street Date: A Part of Console Launches i Could Do Without

I hopefully will be getting my Xbox One soon (they better hold it for at least 24 hours). 
Why do I have to wait for Friday though?  If a store gets in consoles in a week early or so, why should they be forced to sit on them - keeping them in a backroom or warehouse somewhere (when they could quickly move that inventory)? 

In my view, street dating something doesn't really make a ton of sense.  I know logistics can be a nightmare, but couldn't they just ship closer to their stated release date? 

What I'm really getting here is that stores should be allowed to sell something as soon as they get it in stock - not have to wait for some arbitrary deadline.  However, the console companies do like coverage about long lines and stuff like that (there should be a more gradual get to the customers as it comes in thing - it could take some pressure off of the retailers).  True, some console software stuff will still need to be worked out (but can't console makers just block the console from connecting online until launch?)

I also don't really like the midnight launches either.  Why does the console have to launch at 12:01 (midnight is technically the next day anyway) to sell a console on that day?  Why don't all launch areas start selling it the same time.  If it is out already in Australia, why should someone in Seattle be forced to wait that much longer to get their console? 

As I see it, if a console sells in New York City at midnight Eastern it should be available for sale in Seattle at 9PM (different countries, maybe different times / same country not so much).