The various sizes of cutting pads are actually on sale right now at joann.com
sizzix cutting pad*: Shop | Joann.com
I could see a small mom and pop operation possibly being able to accommodate a customer by bringing an order to a trade show but manually taking an order out of production in a large automated facility could certainly leave room for error. Imagine if hundreds, or even if it was just dozens, of customers requested that type of service for pick-up at a trade show. I don't think that it was unreasonable for Sizzix to turn down that request.
Based on my customer service experience with Sizzix when replacing a faulty Big Shot under warranty, I think they'll be around for a long time. Too many companies today don't stand behind their products. I'm very glad that Sizzix does.